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The Kingdom Insider

Orlando and Family Travel News Lifestyle and Information

Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks Blog, WDW News · October 17, 2022

Beni the Baby Okapi Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Today we’re happy to introduce you to Beni, the newest okapi at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s especially exciting to share this news as World Okapi Day is right around the corner – Oct. 18. It’s a day that recognizes the significance of this endangered and enigmatic species.

Named by the keeper team, Beni was born in July to mom Olivia, and the pair remain in their backstage habitat where they spend time nuzzling, nursing and bonding.

Beni is the twelfth okapi born at Walt Disney World Resort and the fifth at the lodge. The first calf to be born at Walt Disney World Resort since 2018, he currently weighs just under 100 pounds and stands little over three feet tall from hoof to shoulder. He could eventually grow to between five and six feet tall and up to 650 pounds!

Our animal care team is monitoring Beni and making sure he hits all the milestones of a growing okapi. In the coming months, he’ll make his debut on the Pembe Savanna – you may even catch a glimpse of him if you’re staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Beni is named in honor of a town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the only country where endangered okapis are found.

These elusive animals live in rainforests, and black-and-white stripes on their hindquarters and front legs help camouflage them among the trees. Though they look similar to zebras, they’re actually closely related to giraffes.

Early on, okapi calves “tuck” themselves into nests where they hide from predators. Shy and reclusive okapis are nearly impossible to spot in the rainforest and have earned the nickname “ghosts of the forests.” In fact, okapis were thought to be a myth until 1901 when they were first “discovered” by western scientists. This endangered species is a national symbol of the DRC, and they are cherished and revered by the people who live there.

There are an estimated 20,000 okapi in the world, and their population continues to decline due to poaching and habitat loss.

Beni’s birth was recommended through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan, which ensures responsible breeding of threatened species in managed care. In addition to working with the AZA, Disney has provided long-term support to okapis in the DRC through the Okapi Conservation Project which works to protect wildlife, support communities and provide conservation education opportunities on the importance of protecting the forest for people and okapi.

In 2020, the Disney Conservation Fund also recognized the Okapi Conservation Project agroforestry team with the Disney Conservation Hero award. This annual award recognizes passionate individuals and teams who are working to save wildlife and engage their communities in conservation solutions. As we acknowledge World Okapi Day on Oct. 18, we celebrate the joyful arrival of Beni and the collective efforts to protect this stunning and vulnerable species.

To discover more inspirational stories about okapis and all the animals in our care, follow Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook and Dr. Mark on Instagram. And be sure to keep an eye out for the “ghosts of the forests” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Are You Ready to Book Your Next Vacation Today?

Be sure to call your Academy Travel Agent today for more information and help with booking your next vacation! Because here at The Kingdom Insider, we have plenty of resources for you, just a click away! We have an incredible team of dedicated Disney experts and Travel Planners at Academy Travel. They are ready to help you plan out every detail of your vacation, so you don’t have to worry! Call Your Travel Agent to Book, find a travel agent here, or visit AcademyTravel.com

Posted By: TKI Newsroom · In: Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks Blog, WDW News

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Toy Story Land at Night is one of my all-time favo Toy Story Land at Night is one of my all-time favorite things at Hollywood Studios!✨ There’s nothing better than taking a ride with Slink under the lights!🙌🏻🎢 One of the best perks of attending Jollywood Nights is the little to absolutely NO WAIT TIMES for super popular attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania & many, many more! We walked right onto rides that are typically a 60-90 minute wait time! It was so awesome!✨ Tickets to this event are still available for this holiday season! Tap the “Book Your Vacation” tab on my profile and let us help you get booked!🎄

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It’s a YUMMY holiday in Jollywood!✨🍽️ 202 It’s a YUMMY holiday in Jollywood!✨🍽️ 2023 is the inaugural year for Disney’s brand-new Jollywood Nights holiday bash!🥳🎄 We had such a great time sampling the party food items and will be writing a review of everything we tried very soon!🥂🥖🍔 In the meantime, check out some our favorites that we thought deserved an honorable mention!😍 You won’t want to miss these!🎅🏻✨

🎄 Mickey Gingerbread Cookie from Trolley Car Cafe 
🎄 Holiday Turkey Popover available at Fairfax Faire 
🎄 PBJ Donut (Omg to die for!🥰) also from Fairfax Faire 
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Festival of the Holidays is one of our most favori Festival of the Holidays is one of our most favorite times of the year to visit EPCOT!🎄♥️ From the holiday food booths, to the festive entertainment offerings🎶 (including Santa himself!🎅🏻) there is something for everyone in your group to enjoy!✨ We sampled a few of the festival-exclusive food items today & wanted to share them with you! Be sure to pick up your festival guide book at the park entrance so you don’t miss a thing!✨🎄 

🎄Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail from Bubbles & Brine
🎄Frozen Apple Pie from Swirled Showcase (grab a spoon, all the good stuff is at the bottom!😉)
🎄Slow-Roasted Turkey from American Holiday Table
🎄Vegetable Spring Rolls from Shanghai Holiday Kitchen 
🎄 Red Velvet Bundt Cake from the Odyssey 
🎄 Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie from the Odyssey 

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Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving from Kara, K Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving from Kara, Kristin & Ashley here at The Kingdom Insider!♥️🦃 We look forward to continue celebrating this holiday season with you in the coming weeks, from coast to coast!🎄✨ We are so incredibly thankful for you & all the love & support you show our team all year through!🫶🏻 Enjoy a wonderful day today with friends & family!🍽️ Swipe for a favorite Disney memory with our team!♥️

✨Kara meets Minnie in her new Voyager outfit at the Disney Treasure reveal event! 

✨Kristin hangs out with Pluto near Soarin’ Over the World at Disney California Adventure Park! 

✨Ashley meets Daisy on the Disney Wish at the”Disney Wishing Ever After Farewell Show!”

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‘Tis the Season for sweet treats 🧁🎂🍪 Di ‘Tis the Season for sweet treats 🧁🎂🍪 Did you know there is an ATM at Disney Springs where you can order freshly baked cupcakes & cookies? There are even specialty options like gluten-friendly, vegan, and sugar-free variations on their famous red velvet 😍 

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