ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Masai giraffe at Disney's Animal Kingdom gave birth to a calf Monday afternoon, Disney World announced.

  • Giraffe gives birth on Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Calf stands at 6 feet tall 
  • Some riders saw the giraffe go into labor

The giraffe went into labor on the savanna within the park's Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction.

The calf is about 6 feet tall. Park officials said it's too early to tell whether the baby giraffe is male or female.

"We're thrilled to welcome the newest member of the Animal Kingdom Family," Disney's Animals, Science and Environment wrote on Facebook. "Mom and calf are bonding well and we hope to share more details soon!"

Visitors who were riding the attraction when mama giraffe went into labor were able to see the calf begin to stick out.

Safari drivers slowed their trucks so that riders could take pictures and video.

Kilimanjaro Safaris was temporarily closed while giraffe gave birth. 

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