Earlier this year, Disney asked for some help in picking out the name of the new Masai giraffe calf at Animal Kingdom. Today, we finally got to learn her name and see some pictures of her assimilating to life as part of the herd.
We won’t keep you in suspense any longer…. her name is Amira, which means “princess” in Swahili. The Disney Parks Blog reports that Amira appears to be an adventurous young calf, and is excited to explore the savanna.
Amira was born on Oct. 1 and has been backstage since then, bonding and nursing with her mother, Kenya. She may have just entered the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna, but she’s already more than five feet tall!
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Amira isn’t the only new giraffe out on the savanna. Aella, a five-month-old female giraffe, made her debut in August.
Disney is involved in efforts to save the Masai giraffes, as they are currently listed as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. They may soon even be moved to endangered status, as poaching and habitat loss is leading to a continued decrease in their population, which currently stands at 32,000.
If you’re interested in learning more about these giraffes and other animals, you can visit DisneyAnimals.com. You’ll learn all about the efforts and various trips Disney animal care experts are taking to ensure the survival of this species.
Make sure to keep an eye out for Amira the next time you take a ride on the Safari!