New Life on the Savanna: Critically Endangered Addax Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

One of the most magical parts of staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is watching exotic wildlife roam just outside your window—and this week, that experience just got even more special. Walt Disney World has announced the birth of a new baby Addax, adding a precious new life to the herd that calls the resort’s Sunset Savanna home.

Meet Julian: A Hopeful Addition to a Rare Species

Born on March 25th to mother Juniper, the new calf has been named Julian. At just two months old, Julian is already stealing hearts with his presence and his signature curly horns—yes, Addax calves are actually born with them!

The Addax, also known as the white antelope or screwhorn antelope, is critically endangered. It’s estimated that fewer than 100 Addax remain in the wild, making every birth incredibly meaningful. In managed care, only about 180 individuals are found across AZA-accredited facilities globally.

A Vital Role in Conservation

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of just 21 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that care for this rare species. Julian’s arrival is not just exciting for guests—it plays a vital role in the conservation and future of his species. This birth was part of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative program designed to help ensure the long-term sustainability of threatened animal populations.

Julian is the third Addax calf to be born at Walt Disney World in recent years, joining others born in 2022 and 2023—a hopeful sign of progress in the fight to save this magnificent animal from extinction.

See Them for Yourself

In the coming weeks, Julian and his mom Juniper will make their way onto the Sunset Savanna, where resort guests can catch a glimpse of them grazing among the other animals. Outside of the Sahara Desert in Africa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the very few places in the world where you can see an Addax up close—making this a truly rare and unforgettable experience.

If you’re planning a stay or just want to witness a moment of conservation in action, be sure to stop by the Sunset Savanna. You might just spot little Julian taking his first steps into the world.