
Mother’s Day is just about here and it’s not just Guests and Cast Members who are celebrating at Walt Disney World as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge just welcomed an adorable new addition to its family.
Both Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Animal Kingdom Lodge are accredited by the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) to ensure the best possible care for both animals on Disney property and their distant relatives in the wild. Part of this partnership includes following protocols for the Species Survival Plan, which includes all of the specifics for animal births and educational opportunities to help further the Park and Resort’s conservation messaging to Guests.
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Last month, Disney’s Animal, Science, and Environment team welcomed the birth of a red river hog piglet at Animal Kingdom Lodge to mom Daisy. The team shared to Facebook that both mom and baby are doing well and have been spending time bonding backstage, which is typical before a new arrival makes its debut in front of Guests at the theme park or Resort.
Once ready to join the rest of Disney World’s red river hog family, the new baby boy will be able to be seen by Guests visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge. (And remember, you do not need to be staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge to check out the savanna and animal viewing areas. So make that Boma or Sanaa reservation and add a stop here to your next Disney trip!)
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African Hogs at Walt Disney World
The red river hogs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are just some of the species of African hogs Guests can see at Walt Disney World. In addition to the “sounder” (family of hogs) on the Pembe Savanna at the Lodge, Guests can find warthogs on Kilimanjaro Safaris, babirusa in the Oasis Exhibits, and KuneKune pigs at Affection Section all at Animal Kingdom.
Believe it or not, actually seeing the animals is one of the most underrated experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (You might find that surprising, but it’s true.) As it turns out, many Guests are not looking forward to spending more time on their feet, or they’re prioritizing rides over walkthrough attractions, but this mentality will cause you to miss out on not only the African hogs but so many animals like Asian tigers, bats, anteaters, komodo dragons, gorillas, and more.
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Keep an eye out for the new piglet as he prepares to make his debut on the savanna, and in the meantime, be sure to check out all of the animal spotting guides located in the My Disney Experience app so you don’t miss seeing some of these incredibly creatures during your next Disney vacation.