In an Instagram post made by Dr. Mark Penning today, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed the birth of a yellow-backed duiker calf for the first time in over two decades. Dr. Penning serves as Disney’s Vice-President of Animals, Science & Environment.
Animal Kingdom Welcomes Newest Family Member
Join us in welcoming Penny, our newest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! This sweet yellow-backed duiker calf was born earlier this month to mom Pearl. The birth of Penny is an incredible milestone, as the last yellow-backed duiker calf born in our care was over 20 years ago. This birth is truly special to me, as yellow-backed duikers are one of my favorite animals. It’s been a pleasure working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan to introduce this unique species to our guests. Mom and baby are backstage now, but you can look out for this adorable pair on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail later this summer.
Yellow-backed duikers are shy forest-dwelling antelope found in portions of and Central and Western Africa. They are the largest of all duikers. While not yet considered endangered, they are categorized as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature — meaning they may be vulnerable to endangerment in the forseeable future.
As mentioned in Penning’s announcement, baby Penny and mom Pearl will soon be greeting guests on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Right beside Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Africa portion of the park, this trail offers encounters with gorillas, hippos, zebra, and more.
Meander along the winding paths through Pangani Forest and encounter African animals at every turn. Peer at a meerkat on a rocky perch, or a Grevy’s zebra on the savanna. Come face-to-face with a gentle troop of western lowland gorillas on a grassy hillside. During your self-guided tour, snap pictures from convenient observation stations and learn more about Disney’s global conservation efforts to protect animals like this—and their habitats.
During Mother’s Day weekend, another baby was born at the nearby Animal Kingdom Lodge — red river hog Daisy gave birth to a healthy boy.
What is your favorite animal to visit at the parks? Have you ever had a more personal interaction with some of these creatures at the Affection Section in Rafiki’s Planet Watch? Let us know in the comments.
Be sure to check out other recent developments in the Animal Kingdom:
- PHOTOS: New Timon Sipper With 25th Anniversary Lanyard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- New Finding Nemo Spirit Jersey at Walt Disney World
- Guest Reportedly Gets Foot Jammed Between Boat & Unload Platform, Leading to Emergency Hole Being Cut in Na’vi River Journey Ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- New Merchandise for ‘The Lion King’ Now Available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- CEO Bob Iger Says Disney is ‘Closely Evaluating’ Theme Parks For Expansion Opportunities
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