Disney has announced the birth of Julien, a baby addax, born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in Walt Disney World.
The birth is a notable event for the critically endangered species, which has less than 100 individuals remaining in the wild and around 180 under managed care worldwide, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Julien, named in a tribute to his parents Juniper and Allen, is the first male calf born at the resort and stands just over two feet tall.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, one of only 21 AZA-accredited institutions that care for addaxes, plays a crucial role in the Species Survival Plans (SSP), a program designed by the AZA to boost the populations of endangered and threatened species through controlled breeding efforts.
The success story of Julien's arrival highlights the effective collaboration between Disney's team of veterinarians and animal keepers, who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and advancing the survival prospects of species at risk.
Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox
