For the first time in seven years, an African elephant has been born at Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., — and for the first time ever, the newborn is a 2nd generation Animal Kingdom elephant.

Scott Terrell, Director of Animal & Science Operations for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, made the announcement Saturday after the baby elephant entered the world, weighing in at 218 pounds.

“The holidays are a time to celebrate the heartwarming moments in life,” Terrell wrote, “and we’re extra thankful this year because for the first time in seven years, an African elephant calf was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!”

The new calf, named Corra, was born to mom Nadirah, who herself was born at Animal Kingdom in 2005. Terrell wrote that Nadirah’s sister, Luna, stood by to guide Nadirah through her first birth and Corra will soon meet her grandmother, Donna, and another aunt, Stella.

It’s common for adult females to assist each other in raising their young until the offspring are independent, which typically occurs at about 8 years of age.

Terrell said Nadirah became pregnant through natural breeding in early 2022 and a team of Animal Kingdom cast members monitored her closely throughout her 22-month pregnancy.

Mother and daughter will spend several days bonding before being introduced to the rest of the herd, according to Terrell, with the elephant caregivers watching for key moments such as successful nursing and weight gain.

African elephant births are carefully planned through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, according to the blog, which helps ensure the responsible breeding of endangered animals in managed care.