Elephant born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.Photo:Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World
Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World
After a 22-month pregnancy, Nadirah and her 218-pound calf, are already bonding and will continue to do so for several days, before joining the rest of the park’s herd, the director said.
For Nadirah, who became pregnant in early 2022, raising Corra will not be a solo act, Terrell adds.
In fact, the second she began labor, caring for the newborn became a family affair, as the first-time mom’s sister, Luna, helped guide her through the birth.
Corra will soon meet the rest of her family — her grandma, Donna, and other aunt, Stella — the blog post said.
According to Terrell, it is “common for adult females in the herd to assist in raising young elephants until they are considered to be independent, typically around 8 years old.”
“Meaning, these family bonds will only grow stronger as the calf gets older,” he added.
The director also said that the newborn has so far been “bringing plenty of joy” to her Disney family, namely the theme park’s animal care team.
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Elephant born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World
At Animal Kingdom, births of African elephants — who theWorld Wildlife Fundlists as a “critically endangered” species — are given special attention.
Terrell said they are “carefully planned through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan,” a program that “helps ensure the responsible breeding of endangered animals in managed care."
The careful care continues after birth, with ongoing post-natal exams for both mother and daughter, as well as careful monitoring — to ensure things like “successful nursing and weight gain” during their bonding period, per the blog post.
And while Corra marked an important park milestone with her birth alone, the director promises that park staff will continue to share her personal milestones, as well as sweet moments between the newborn and her mother.
source: people.com
