Baby giraffe Ivy’s first morning on Kilimanjaro Safaris

Attractions Magazine was among a small group of media invited to witness Ivy’s first morning on the savanna before Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened for the day.

How Disney knew Ivy was ready for the savanna

While guests may see Ivy’s debut as a spontaneous first outing, animal care specialists said the moment was carefully planned. Derra, one of two trainers assigned to work directly with Ivy, said the Masai giraffe calf had reached several developmental milestones before being cleared to join ‘Kilimanjaro Safaris.’ Ivy had already demonstrated that she could consistently follow Willow through backstage areas, nurse successfully and remain comfortable alongside her mother.

“She just turned two months old yesterday, so she’s two months and one day today,” Derra said. “We’ve been making sure she’s following mom great, she’s nursing great, all of that is perfectly where we want it to be.”

Behind the scenes, Ivy had also been introduced to the other giraffes in the barn before taking her first steps onto the savanna. The debut represented the next phase in her development as she adjusted not only to the larger habitat but also to other species.

“All of those boxes were checked,” Derra said. “Today was the day.”

Among the leaves

Before our trio of ‘Kilimanjaro Safaris’ vehicles descended into the savanna, we waited for about fifteen minutes in the shady transition area near the baobab tree. I found myself appreciating the stillness. The sun had finally climbed above the horizon and settled into the morning sky, and for a few moments, the reserve was quiet. Then, without announcement or fanfare, the vehicles began moving.

The painted dogs were the first sign of the savanna waking up, pacing back and forth with an energy guests don’t always see later in the day. As we rounded the familiar bend near the termite mounds, a group of gazelles suddenly bounded through the grasslands, springing high into the air almost like kangaroos. But I quickly pulled my attention away as our truck turned left toward a cluster of palm trees perched on a hillside — a spot I recognized immediately from years of riding ‘Kilimanjaro Safaris’ as both a guest and a former driver.

Sure enough, three giraffes stood in the distance. There was no dramatic reveal. No cue that this was the moment everyone had gathered to witness. One of those three giraffes was Ivy.

She appeared tiny beside the adults and stayed tucked close to Willow throughout our encounter. Having once driven these same roads and returning often as a guest, it was obvious to me that Ivy was still finding her footing. She never ventured close to the ride path, choosing instead to remain near her mother while an animal care team vehicle lingered nearby, keeping watch over the newest resident of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

After our safari, we had the opportunity to speak with Derra and Caitlin about Ivy’s debut and learned that even the calf’s name carries a connection to the species she represents. Derra explained that because Ivy’s mother is named Willow, the animal care team wanted to continue the botanical theme. Giraffes are known for stretching their long necks into the treetops to browse on leaves and branches, so a foliage-inspired name felt especially fitting.

Much like Willow before her, Ivy’s name serves as a small reminder of the close relationship giraffes have with the trees that sustain them. It’s also fun to note that Ivy is the half-sister of Tucker the giraffe, who was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2025.

WATCH: See baby giraffe Ivy take her first steps with the help of mother Willow at Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in our video below.

More than an adorable addition

Ivy’s arrival also contributes to broader conservation efforts beyond Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

According to Caitlin Cox, senior representative for the Disney Conservation Fund, Ivy is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which works to preserve genetic diversity among giraffes in accredited facilities and support the long-term future of the species.

“She’s also a really important part of several conservation efforts,” Cox said. “I’m hoping that when guests get out there and get to see her, that she serves as an inspiration as well for people to want to learn more about giraffes, the challenges that they face out in the wild in Africa, and try to find a way to help.”

For more than 30 years, the Disney Conservation Fund has supported organizations working to protect wildlife and habitats around the world. Cox said experiences like Ivy’s debut can help guests build a personal connection with animals and inspire action both globally and in their own communities.

Though she looked tiny walking beneath Willow’s watchful eye, Ivy already stands tall. For anyone boarding Kilimanjaro Safaris in the months ahead, spotting the calf may become a highlight of their journey through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve — and a reminder that even after nearly three decades, Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to provide awe-inspiring moments.