“It’s the circle of life.” From birth to death and everything in between, there are many events that both humans and animals go through during their lifetimes. Recently, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed a newborn prehensile-tailed porcupine to their park. According to the Disney Parks Blog, “although Walt Disney World Resort is temporarily closed, our animal care team is continuing to provide top-notch care to thousands of animals.”
The porcupette (or baby porcupine) was born to mother, Peri, on February 25. “If you’ve seen the One Day at Disney documentary on Disney+, you may remember seeing Peri participate in an ultrasound with Disney veterinarian Dr. Natalie. And After a long-awaited arrival, the team is delighted to welcome this cutie to the Disney family.” Porcupettes are born with a fine red coat and small quills underneath which are soft at first but begin to harden hours after birth. The veterinarians at Disney’s Animal Kingdom sent off some of the baby’s quills to a lab for DNA testing to help figure out the newborn’s gender …it’s a girl!
According to the blog, “As with all our animals, there are plenty of big hearts caring for this mother-daughter duo. Peri continues to thrive in her role as a mother, which is part of why she was chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP).” The program is observed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and serves to encourage responsible breeding and diversity on a genetic level, for thousands of different species and animals.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to close to 2,000 animals and fans can follow the stories and lives of these animals as well as the people that care for them, on Instagram and other social media platforms. The park cares for animals ranging from the ordinary Zebra, to the more extraordinary Impala. Each animal requires specialized care and requires around the clock attention from Disney Members who are trained to look after them.
According to Attractions Magazine, “Thousands of animals roam the savanna and seas at Walt Disney World, and the Animal Care team is following state and federal guidelines to ensure their own health, while simultaneously taking care of the creatures they oversee.” Each animal is attended to, fed, and taken care of based upon standards set before Disney’s Animal Kingdom to ensure the safety and comfort of its inhabitants.
Dr. Mark Penning, vice president of Animals Science & Environment reports that “Whilst our beautiful park might be temporarily closed… the animals are all still here.” If Guests want updates about their favorite furry friends, all they have to do is log onto social media and follow Disney’s various accounts. So even though we can’t physically be at Disney right now, it doesn’t mean that the fun has to end and that the exploring has to come to a halt. We can still revel in the Disney magic from the comfort of our home and find peace, knowing that our furry counterparts are in the best hands possible. Guests can follow Penning on Instagram @DrMarkAtDisney to gain firsthand access as to what goes on behind the scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s an account you definitely need to follow!