Sometimes, good (and also cute) things come in pairs. This week, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed a pair of new pals when a healthy baby hippo and baby gorilla were born on successive days.
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A Magical Monday and Terrific Tuesday at Animal Kingdom
Momma and baby nuzzle together in the Safi river. Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
On Monday, Nile hippopotamus Tuma successfully gave birth to a calf in the Safi River. The healthy, healthy hippo quickly took to nuzzling up to the proud mom and demonstrated expert swimming skills.
The calf joins a family—otherwise known as a bloat or a crash—of nine hippos on Kilimanjaro Safaris. That includes Henry, the happy pappy, who was paired up with Tuma through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Program.
The precious baby gorilla takes a nap with mom. Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
As if this beautiful moment wasn’t enough, Tuesday marked yet another special arrival. Western lowland gorilla Azizi gave birth behind the scenes to a healthy baby of her own.
Though the birth happened in private, the mom and baby headed out to the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail for a royal introduction. There, the baby met Gino, the proud father, as well as new big brother Cory.
The new baby gorilla is the second for Azizi and Gino. Their firstborn, Cory, was born in 2014.
The baby gorilla, like the hippo, was born in accordance with the Species Survival Program. This program ensures that vulnerable and endangered animals can safely breed, securing the preservation of the species.
Nile hippopotamuses are considered vulnerable, and western lowland gorillas are critically endangered.
With the addition of the new baby hippo and gorilla, Animal Kingdom continues what’s been a busy year for births. The park welcomed a new baby giraffe in June and a baby zebra in May.
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