Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Welcomes African Antelope Baby

Walt Disney World has welcomed a new baby calf to the animal denizens of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and it’s a rare species of African antelope.

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About the Animal

The antelope is a member of the addax family, also known as the white antelope and the screwhorn antelope, and it is native to the Sahara Desert.

Once widespread across North Africa, the addax population has been severely reduced due to over-hunting and long periods of drought. It is now only currently native to the countries of Chad, Mauritania, and Niger.

The animal is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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The New Addition

During the early morning hours on Sunday, October 2, 2022, mom addax Lavender gave birth to her second calf a bit sooner than she was expected to, but all went well in the delivery.

According to Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Disney’s Animals, Science & Environment, “Mom and calf are doing well and resting safely together under a shaded and protected canopy under the watchful eyes of our dedicated veterinarians and animal keepers.”

“The pair are nuzzling, nursing, and bonding, and the calf joins four other addax at Animal Kingdom Lodge.”

The birth comes as a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan with Disney.

The calf doesn’t have a name yet, but it is sure a cutie, don’t you think? Wonder if it’ll appear in season two of “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” series. I hope it does.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge also welcomed a baby Red River Hog earlier this summer.