A is for Aardvark: Meet the Cutest New Arrival at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

3 min read

Have you watched Episode 5 of Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom? The episode, appropriately named “Aardvark Love” has plenty to marvel at.

Two wonderful Aardvarks, Willie (a male) and Peanut (a female) have created a new cast member for all of us to keep an eye out for. Karanga, a beautiful little girl, was born in early October at Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. According to Dr. Mark Penning, “She is the first baby aardvark in her family – and in the park’s history, and keepers decided to name her after mom – Karanga means “Peanut” in Swahili.”. A perfect name for a perfect mini-Peanut!

Karanga, a female baby aardvark born earlier this month at Rafiki’s Planet Watch

The young Aardvarks story is available for you to watch in the latest episode of the “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” – which is streaming on Disney+ now! The animal care team was instrumental in making this happen and they even made sure Karangas’ parents were a perfect match. They used something called a “Species Survival Plan (SSP)” which, according to Dr. Mark Penning, “is like a matchmaking service designed to help ensure healthy future generations for endangered and at-risk species.” There is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes in order to save endangered species!

These veterinarians work hard for the Disney parks of course. Most importantly though, they are instrumental in making sure that these endangered species survive – not only to marvel at but to help educate future conservationists. These beautiful creatures are the result of hard work and the drive to make sure we continue to see a better tomorrow – with them in it of course.Make sure the next time you are at Animal Kingdom, you keep a lookout for the newest member of this adorable little Aardvark family.

Check out @drmarkatdisney on Instagram!
Photos / Quotes: Disney


Danielle H
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