At Disney, every animal birth is important but there’s something extra special about an odds-defying, critically endangered baby addax we welcomed just in time for Mother’s Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Two–month-old Julien is the newest member of our addax herd. These animals face possible extinction with less than 100 left in the wild and just over 180 in managed care across all organizations accredited by the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
A Baby Calf, Just in Time for Mother’s Day
Julien stands just over an adorable two feet tall with a great head of hair and is as cute as can be. He is welcomed by his mom Juniper and the rest of the herd over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and he is the first male calf born at the resort. An ode to his mom and dad, Julien’s name is a combination of both Juniper and Allen, who are all a part of the larger herd. Actually, we at Walt Disney World are one of just 21 AZA accredited institutions who have addax in our care, and what better place to be able to see them than on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we have collaborated with renowned experts to help increase populations of endangered and threatened species. Following AZA Species Survival Plans (SSP), we have welcomed the births of a variety of animals just in the last year. This birth is just one example of many that exemplifies the success of our continued work to breed at risk animals.
A Massive Win for Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment
Julien’s birth is an incredible win for the population of this species and for our team of veterinarians and animal keepers who are over the moon to welcome another addax as they are so critical in the wild. This birth is just one of many examples that testifies to the level of care our animals receive.
The critically endangered addax is a species of antelope known for their curly horns that calves are actually born with. This species of antelope is so rare, one of the few places in the entire world where they can be spotted outside of the Saharan desert in Africa is at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Thank You to All of The Moms
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, including first time mom Juniper, who’s growing closer and closer to baby Julien day by day! And we can’t forget about those who care for Juniper, caring for her since her own birth here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge all the way through her first pregnancy and now into motherhood.
This birth continues to remind us of the power of protecting our world and those who need our help like the addax and other endangered and threatened species. Visit DisneyAnimals.com to learn how you can help all animals alike, especially those facing near extinction.
Soon, mom and baby will be out on the savanna and if you’d like to visit the herd, be sure to head over to Sunset Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!
You May Also Enjoy: Universal Orlando Hotels Feature Mother’s Day Brunches
