Walt Disney World is known for its enchanting experiences and careful attention to the safety and well-being of its animal residents. After the recent passage of Hurricane Milton, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge showcased its commitment to these values, ensuring the safety of its diverse animal population. This article explores the detailed processes implemented by Disney’s animal care team to secure and return animals to their habitats following the storm.
Animal Care During the Storm
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As Hurricane Milton approached, Disney’s animal care team sprang into action, relocating animals to secure indoor habitats and backstage buildings. These shelters are specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of a hurricane, providing a safe haven for the animals. Staff members closely monitored the animals, ensuring their well-being throughout the storm.
Post-Storm Habitat Inspections
Once the storm subsided, the team conducted thorough inspections of each habitat. This process involved assessing structural integrity and clearing any debris that could pose risks to the animals. Only after these safety checks were completed were the animals gradually returned to their naturalistic enclosures.
The Return to Normalcy
A heartwarming highlight of this process was the return of the flamingos to their savanna environment, a moment captured and shared by Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment. This careful transition underscores Disney’s dedication to providing environments that closely mimic the animals’ natural habitats while prioritizing their safety.
Thank you to our incredible professionals. Just as our cast members and guests rode out the storm during Hurricane Milton, our team of animal experts cared for the thousands of animals that call Walt Disney World home. From beautiful birds (like flamingoes 🦩) to the smallest butterflies and our family of mighty western lowland gorillas, cast members monitored conditions, kept a watchful eye on the animals and assessed and carefully removed storm debris before moving the animals back into their habitats, after the storm passed.
Dr. Mark Penning - Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science, and EnvironmentConclusion
The meticulous efforts taken by Disney’s animal care team during and after Hurricane Milton demonstrate a profound commitment to animal welfare. These actions not only protect the animals but also ensure that guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom can continue to experience the magic of seeing these remarkable creatures in safe and enriching environments.
As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest developments for Disney theme parks and all the information you could ever need about the Disney Vacation Club resorts.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
