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Disney Attraction Destroyed by Hurricane: Entire Exhibit Vacated

Entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom showcases a sign adorned with an intricate elephant head and lush greenery in the background. The sign reads "Disney's Animal Kingdom" with detailed embellishments. Above, blue skies and white clouds complete the picturesque scene.
Credit: Disney

The recent passage of Hurricane Milton brought about significant disruptions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. A massive tree, uprooted by the storm’s intense winds, collapsed in the queue area for Kilimanjaro Safaris, severely damaging the crane enclosure located along this popular attraction. This incident has left the exhibit uninhabitable for its animal residents.

Visitors and Disney enthusiasts have expressed sadness and frustration over the loss of the crane exhibit, which had been a centerpiece for many safari experiences. Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions to the damage, reflecting the emotional investment the community has in the park and its inhabitants. Many fans have taken to sharing their thoughts, mourning the absence of the cranes, and voicing concerns about the potential long-term impacts of Hurricane Milton on the overall Disney experience.

Related: Disney World Landmark Sees Damage From Hurricane Milton

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Credit: Nicholas Fuentes, Unsplash

Status of Animal Recovery After the Storm

In the wake of Hurricane Milton, Disney’s Animal Kingdom quickly mobilized its resources to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals housed within the park. Following the storm, most animal residents were promptly returned to their habitats, allowing guests to once again enjoy the splendor of the park. However, the damage to the crane enclosure necessitated a more extended recovery process.

Disney’s team of animal care experts worked tirelessly to monitor the well-being of the park’s residents. Dr. Mark Penning, the Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment, shared heartfelt praise for the cast members who managed to care for the animals during the storm. He said:

“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.”

Despite the challenges posed by the fallen tree, the safety protocols enacted by the staff have ensured that all other animals have returned to their respective enclosures without serious incident. Nonetheless, the crane exhibit remains vacated, creating an unfortunate gap for park visitors who had hoped to see these captivating birds in their natural habitat.

There is a MAJOR tree down in the Kilimanjaro queue. Broke the cranes enclosure. Safe to say they won’t be making a return any time soon.

Importance of Kilimanjaro Safaris Attraction

Kilimanjaro Safaris stands as one of the flagship attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, offering guests a unique, immersive experience that simulates an African safari. The ride provides a close-up encounter with a variety of wildlife in expansive, naturalistic habitats, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the diverse animal species that thrive in such environments.

The cranes housed within the Kilimanjaro Safaris route played a vital role in enriching the experience for visitors. Their graceful movements and vibrant colors offered a striking contrast to the scenery, capturing the attention of many who embarked on the safari journey. The loss of this exhibit, at least temporarily, has raised tensions regarding visitor experiences.

kilimanjaro safaris zebra

Credit: Disney

Future Plans for the Crane Exhibit

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, uncertainty surrounds the future of the crane enclosure. Disney officials have yet to release a detailed timeline for the repairs needed to restore the area. This ambiguity has generated a palpable sense of curiosity and concern among visitors, who are eager to learn about when they might again see the cranes in the park.

As the days pass and discussions around the incident circulate, anticipation grows for a resolution. Guests and enthusiasts alike remain optimistic that this setback is, indeed, temporary and that the lush environments of Kilimanjaro Safaris will soon be home to the cranes once more, enriching the safari experience for all who visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

About Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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