The Mouse Will No Longer Appear at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Effective Immediately
A longtime resident of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has quietly retired, marking the end of its presence along one of the park’s popular wildlife trails. Walt Disney World Resort guests exploring the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail last week noticed that one of the indoor habitats was completely covered, signaling a sudden change to the exhibit.
Cairo Spiny Mouse Removed From Exhibit Space
According to an update shared by WDWNT on November 20, the Cairo Spiny Mouse, which previously resided in a cage within the indoor enclosure along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, has been retired from the attraction. Disney cast members at the site reportedly informed guests that the small rodent, which had begun showing signs of labored breathing, had been relocated to Rafiki’s Planet Watch for specialized care.
Animal Moves to Rafiki’s Planet Watch for Care
At over four years old, the mouse has reached the typical lifespan for the species in captivity. Its move places it closer to Disney’s onsite veterinarians, who routinely monitor and treat the park’s wildlife.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch allows guests to observe certain medical procedures through viewing windows, although there is no guarantee that visitors will see the Cairo Spiny Mouse receiving care. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park guests can access Rafiki’s Planet Watch via the Wildlife Express Train, which boards in the Africa section of the park.
Future of the Exhibit Remains Unknown
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced whether a new animal will be introduced to the now-vacant habitat inside Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Photos from 2017 show that the enclosure has been home to several spiny mice at once, but it is unclear whether Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park plans to maintain the species in that location in the future.
Wandering around Animal Kingdom and I came upon these guys. Team Spiny Mouse all the way! #TechnologyCurriculumTeam #CelebrateAuburn
Wandering around Animal Kingdom and I came upon these guys. Team Spiny Mouse all the way! #TechnologyCurriculumTeam #CelebrateAuburn pic.twitter.com/9xfcYE6yAd
— Elizabeth Antoine (@BethAntoineAU) March 15, 2017
Will you miss the Cairo Spiny Mouse exhibit at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
