Current:Home > InvestA critically endangered newborn addax now calls Disney's Animal Kingdom home: Watch video -Streamline Finance
A critically endangered newborn addax now calls Disney's Animal Kingdom home: Watch video
View
Date:2025-04-13 00:54:42
An addax, a critically endangered animal, at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge just gave birth to her first calf just in time to celebrate Mother's Day.
Juniper was born in 2021, but when her mother passed away during the birth due to complications, keepers and animal care experts stepped in to provide her with the care she needed, according to a press release Walt Disney World Resort sent to USA TODAY.
Now, the 2-year-old is a first-time mom, and her calf, Julien, will be joining the herd at Animal Kingdom Lodge soon.
"Both Juniper and Julien have been nursing, nuzzling and bonding in a backstage area ahead of Julien’s debut on the savanna," states the press release.
'He just wanted to be loved':Video of happy giraffe after chiropractor visit has people swooning
Addaxs are a rare sight
Currently, there is an estimate of less than 100 addax in the wild. The critically endangered species is on "the brink of extinction," states the press release.
According to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, the animal faces many threats, including:
- Drought
- Hunting
- Habitat loss from agricultural expansion and oil drilling
Their non-aggressive nature around humans also makes them easy targets for poachers, states the institute.
They are so rare that the lodge Juniper calls home is one of the only places folks can see the animal outside of Africa, said representatives from Walt Disney World in a statement.
What is an addax?
Addax are antelopes that are stocky, short and have slender legs, states the Smithsonian. The shy animal also has horns that curve and protrude out of the top of its head.
The desert creatures barely need to drink water and have a pale coat that reflects the sun, which keeps them cool in extreme heat, which helps them survive and live in their natural habitat, the Sahara Desert, one of the harshest regions on the planet.
veryGood! (2435)
Related
- Elon Musk’s Daughter Vivian Calls Him “Absolutely Pathetic” and a “Serial Adulterer”
- The Skinny Confidential's Mouth Tape With a 20K+ Waitlist Is Back in Stock!
- Special counsel urges judge to reject Trump's efforts to dismiss documents case
- Lionel Messi scores goal in Inter Miami's Concacaf Champions Cup match vs. Nashville SC
- Jay Kanter, veteran Hollywood producer and Marlon Brando agent, dies at 97: Reports
- Biden says her name — Laken Riley — at urging of GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene
- Zoo Atlanta sets up Rhino Naming Madness bracket to name baby white rhinoceros
- US jobs report for February is likely to show that hiring remains solid but slower
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Alabama Republicans push through anti-DEI bill, absentee ballot limits
Ranking
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- See Little People Big World's Zach Roloff Help His Son Grapple with Dwarfism Differences
- Mississippi legislators are moving toward a showdown on how to pay for public schools
- What do you get when you cross rodeo with skiing? The wild and wacky Skijoring
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- 'A new challenge:' Caitlin Clark dishes on decision to enter WNBA draft
- Republican Matt Dolan has landed former US Sen. Rob Portman’s endorsement in Ohio’s Senate primary
- Uvalde families denounce new report clearing police officers of blame: 'It's disrespectful'
Recommendation
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Maine mass shooter's apparent brain injury may not be behind his rampage, experts say
Women’s tennis tour and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will work to support prenatal care
Revisiting Zendaya’s Award-Worthy Style Evolution
'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
Pencils down: SATs are going all digital, and students have mixed reviews of the new format
Delaware House approved requirements to buy a handgun, including fingerprints and training
‘Dragon Ball’ creator Akira Toriyama dies at 68