Happy Birthday to You, You Look Like a Monkey…..

Walt Disney World Resort recently welcomed the birth of several animals into the Kingdom.  All births are exciting, but considering these new additions join three endangered species, it is even more thrilling.  These adorable newborns can be seen by guests to Animal Kingdom (map) at various spots throughout the theme park.

The most recent addition is a critically endangered, western lowland gorilla.  Guests  can observe this cutie, born February 19, along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. Part of a self guided walking trail, guests can search for several African animals including white rhinos, naked mole rats, exotic birds and meerkats.

Several viewing areas overlook the habitats of the gorilla family group which includes the newborn, his mother, father and two other females.  While mothering does not always come easily for some female gorillas, Kashata, a first time mother, seems to have all the natural instincts.  In fact, Kashata has been holding the new baby so close to her body, animal keepers have yet to be able to determine the gender of the young one.

Guests visiting the Asia section of the theme park  can catch a glimpse at another newborn, a white-cheeked gibbon born February 2.  The young male, along with his mother and two sisters can be seen in their habitat near Kali River Rapids.  From birth, gibbons cling to their mothers, allowing them to move about the forest unrestricted.

You will have to look very closely to find this youngster as baby gibbons typically have the same light  or orange colored fur, as to blend in with their mother.  As they get older, the fur will change to black.  Male gibbon’s fur, will remain black throughout their life, but females will transition back to the orange shade.

Gibbons are very territorial and exhibit very vivid visual and vocal displays to protect their boundaries.  The best time to visit these characters might be early morning as the male and female are prone to “sing” loudly in an odd duet.

Another very special birth was recently celebrated as a female white rhino was born on January 19.  This birth is perhaps the most exciting for the Animal Kingdom team, as white rhinos were once nearly extinct and have now been upgraded to endangered. 

This birth marks the eighth white rhino born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the first being her mother, Kendi.  The calf and her mother are currently bonding off the savannah, but will return with the herd in a few months.

Head on over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to scout out the newest members – They’re just wild to meet you!

Photo Selections: WDW News

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