In a momentous occasion at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida, a baby African elephant calf was born, marking the first birth of its kind at the park in seven years. The calf, named Corra, weighed an impressive 218 pounds at birth and is currently bonding with her mother, Nadirah, backstage. Scott Terrell, the director of Animal & Science Operations for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, expressed that Corra's arrival is particularly special as Nadirah herself was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2005, making Corra the first second-generation calf at the park.

The process of Nadirah's pregnancy started in early 2022 through natural breeding, and she received exceptional care from Disney's dedicated animal care team throughout her 22-month gestation period. The birth of African elephants at Disney is carefully planned through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which aims to ensure the responsible breeding of endangered animals in managed care.

Notably, elephants have strong family bonds, and Nadirah received assistance and guidance from her sister Luna throughout the entire birthing process. Terrell highlighted the significance of these family bonds, mentioning that female African elephants often rely on each other to raise their young until they reach about eight years of age. Corra will soon have the opportunity to meet her grandmother, Donna, and her other aunt, Stella, further strengthening these family connections.

Following the birth, both Corra and Nadirah will undergo post-natal examinations and spend several days bonding before integrating into the rest of the elephant herd. The park's veterinary team will closely observe the calf to ensure successful nursing and healthy weight gain. This focus on the well-being of the elephants reflects Disney's commitment to animal care and conservation.

African elephants hold a significant place in the natural world as the largest land animals, with males weighing up to six tons. Unfortunately, these majestic creatures are facing considerable threats in the wild. The World Wildlife Fund warns that there are only approximately 415,000 African elephants remaining in their natural habitats. The savanna elephant, one of the two species comprising African elephants, is classified as "endangered," while the forest elephant is classified as "critically endangered." These populations are at risk due to poaching and habitat destruction.

The birth of Corra at Disney's Animal Kingdom serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the role that zoos and managed care play in protecting endangered species. With their commitment to responsible breeding and dedicated animal care, Disney continues to contribute to the preservation of these magnificent creatures for future generations to admire and cherish.