Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to thousands of incredible animal species. If you live in the United States, you know how RARE it is to see a real giraffe walking around this close to you.

We love getting to see wild animals on rides like Kilimanjaro Safaris, inside the many walking trails around the park, and in shows like Feathered Friends in Flight. If you love these animals as much as we do, we have big news — a new baby has been born at Disney World!
A baby okapi was born back in October, but just recently made his big debut on the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride.

His name is Elijah, and the story behind his name is absolutely incredible. Elijah was named after a very dedicated Cast Member who has been working at Disney World for 50 years! That’s Cast Member Elijah below.

Elijah (the human, not the baby okapi) plays a massive role in maintaining the animal habitats in Animal Kingdom, so to honor his work, Disney named the new okapi after him.

We love hearing stories like this, and we always love it when we can spot new Animal Kingdom creatures in the parks.
More Recent Animal Kingdom News!
- Disney World Needs New Rules for Lightning Lanes This Summer
- This Reopening Makes This Week The BEST Disney World Week EVER
- 5 Things We’re Literally Begging Disney Adults To Stop Doing in Animal Kingdom
- Why We’re Seriously Worried About This Recently Reopened Disney World Ride
- Trust Us, You’re Gonna Want To Buy Lightning Lane at Disney World in May
As always, stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney news!
Check out the adorable baby mandrill who joined Animal Kingdom last year!
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What’s your favorite new baby animal you’ve seen in Animal Kingdom? Tell us below!

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