Walt Disney World celebrates the birth of hundreds of new residents at Disney's Animal Kingdom and beyond in 2023

Sep 20, 2023 in "Disney's Animal Kingdom"

Animal births at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2023
Posted: Wednesday September 20, 2023 12:40pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World Resort has been in a baby boom this year, celebrating the birth of over 300 new animal residents. 

New arrivals include a rich diversity of species ranging from an eagle ray pup at The Seas with Nemo & Friends in EPCOT to aardvarks and red river hog piglets at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The resort also celebrated the arrival of more than 150 birds.

Disney's Animals, Science, and Environment team are highlighting the births of these endangered species through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan.

Here are some of the highlighted new additions:

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Disney's Animal Kingdom visitors can now spot two playful Hartmann's mountain zebra foals, Cricket and Dot. Cricket, a water enthusiast, can be seen splashing around in puddles while Dot enjoys galloping around the savanna.


Discovery Island

A pair of adorable cotton-top tamarin twins were born in June. These nimble twins, just slightly larger than an adult hand, have won visitors' hearts with their playful antics and impressive acrobatics.


Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

A yellow-backed duiker named Penny made her debut onstage after bonding backstage with her mother, Pearl. The most observant guests visiting the trail might spot these shy animals.


Tri-Circle-D Ranch

The ranch celebrated the birth of Pixie, a Shetland pony foal. Distinct with her white coat, Pixie is recognized as the first Cinderella pony of the year and is currently training to join the Cinderella carriage team.


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StellajackSep 21, 2023

Loved the Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom on NatGeo Disney+. We watched one of the Hartmann Mountain zebra foals being introduced to the savanna by the mother. The wildebeasts were so curious that the mom had to take the little foal back in their enclosure.

WondersOfLifeSep 20, 2023

I feel like the animal care parts of the resort are EXTREMELY underrated/should be thought of more.... Very happy that Disney still puts possibly a massive amount of funding into things like this... Because I imagine that it's either massive funding, or stopped altogether. I'm in awe of how they are able to maintain this side of their business.