Welcome Giraffe Calf to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The next time you're on safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom, be on the lookout for Aella (pronounced "eye-la"), a two-month-old Masai giraffe calf who just made her debut on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna. Guests and Cast should be able to easily spot her as she is the youngest and smallest giraffe in the herd.

Born on June 29, Aella was more than five-feet-tall at birth. Up until now, she has been spending precious moments bonding and nursing with her mom Lily in a backstage habitat.

Named after an Amazon warrior, Aella is known to be a brave and bold young giraffe with a curious and independent spirit. She's adventurous enough to explore on her own, sometimes leaving mom a few paces behind.

Aella's birth marks a first for her parents – mom Lily and dad George. The pair was chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and ensures responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species. Breeding this pair is important to the long-term survival of the species because it adds more genetic diversity to the giraffe population, which helps ensure future generations.

Aella will nurse for about a year, and then, as a herbivore, she will move to the lush vegetation available throughout the savanna. When full grown, she will use her 18-inch tongue to strip leaves off thorny branches from the tops and sides of trees to consume up to 75 pounds of food a day. That's a tall order!

The Masai giraffe is a vulnerable species found primarily in Kenya and Tanzania. There are believed to be roughly 32,000 Masai giraffes left in the wild, and their population continues to decline because of poaching and habitat loss.

The Disney Conservation Fund supports conservation efforts in Africa to protect wildlife habitats, including those of giraffes. Earlier this year, several Disney animal care experts went to Uganda to help relocate a herd of giraffes across the Nile River to establish a newer, safer habitat away from oil-drilling fields. Another team went to Kenya to support a giraffe and zebra population census.

To learn more about giraffes and the threats they face in the wild, visit DisneyAnimals.com.

Top-Five Things You Must Do at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

There's so much to enjoy at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park – from characters in costume and complimentary treats, special shows, fireworks and more.

Here are our top-five can't-miss moments from this year's party.

Trick-Or-Treating For All Ages! – Kids of all ages may trick-or-treat at special treat stops located throughout the park. Be sure to pick up a trick-or-treat bag and an event map on your way in to find your way! Want more? Check out the special event treats that are available only during party nights in our official guide here.

Disney Characters In Their Best Costume – During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties, many Disney characters appear dressed in their Halloween best, ready to greet guests and pose for photos. Guests can catch even more characters on parade in "Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade," which is exclusive to the event.

Watching The "Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular" Stage Show – In this stage show, the Sanderson sisters visit the mortal with a plan to use their magic to throw the best (evil) Halloween party this side of the graveyard. Guests can't miss the fun musical numbers in this show!

Viewing the "Mickey's Boo To You Halloween Parade" – A highlight of the event, this haunting procession steps off twice each party night – led by an appearance from the Headless Horseman. Spy Disney characters in Halloween costumes and get the camera ready for an entire section of the parade inspired by residents of the Haunted Mansion, including marching butlers, waltzing spirits and even the Hitchhiking Ghosts.

Experiencing "Happy HalloWishes Fireworks" – Narrated by the Ghost Host from The Haunted Mansion, the skies explode with color to the tunes of "Grim Grinning Ghosts," "Poor Unfortunate Souls," "Never Smile at a Crocodile," "The Skeleton Dance," from Silly Symphony and more.

To learn more about Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, click here. And don't forget to tell us your favorite party moments in the comments section below.

Everything You Need to Know About Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park

Are you planning a visit to Walt Disney World Resort this fall? Then Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park is an absolute must-do event. This in-park party celebrates Halloween with spooky decor, Disney characters in Halloween costumes, complimentary trick-or-treating, and entertainment you have to see to believe!

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which requires a special ticket to attend, will be held on the following nights: August 28 and 31; September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30; and October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31. Party fun takes place from 7 p.m.-midnight, although party ticket holders may enter the park as early as 4 p.m. to enjoy regular park offerings.

Guests of all ages are welcome to dress in costume on party nights (make sure your costume fits within the park guidelines here!). On your way in, be sure to grab a treat bag for trick-or-treating and party event map, which shows you all the locations of trick-or-treat stations, special entertainment and more. Sometime during the night, head to the Main Street Fire Station and pick up an event-exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom spell card. This year's design features Orange Bird (full story here).

Don't miss the "Boo To You" parade, which steps off twice on party nights. The Headless Horseman leads off the hair-raising procession, which includes classic Disney characters (in not-so-scary Halloween costumes), an entire portion devoted to the Haunted Mansion, a celebration of treats and more.

"The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular" stage show delights guests by bringing the Sanderson Sisters back to run "amuck" for the evening, calling on Disney villains to help them conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion. You don't want to miss this show – it will "Put A Spell On You."

Disney Villains light up the night during "Happy HalloWishes Fireworks." This spectacular features a villainous soundtrack with songs like "Grim Grinning Ghosts," "Poor Unfortunate Souls," "Never Smile at a Crocodile" and more.

Guests with a sweet tooth can take treats to the next level by perusing the tasty selection of limited-time goodies created specifically for the event. See the full listing here.