Disney World is known for its unforgettable rides, dazzling fireworks, and storybook castles—but every now and then, the animals take center stage. Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge recently found themselves in the middle of an unforgettable scene when a group of zebras decided to pull off a dramatic escape.
The moment was caught on camera by TikTok user @amandahopkins63, whose video has since gone viral. It shows several zebras sprinting and then soaring over the fencing of their enclosure with shocking ease. The jump looked more like something out of the Summer Olympics than a quiet morning at a Disney resort. The clip quickly spread online as viewers marveled at the unexpected sight of the striped escape artists.
@amandahopkins63 Part 2 of 🦓 #animalkingdomlodge #disney ♬ original sound – Amanda Hopkins Busby
What makes this moment even more fascinating is the design of Animal Kingdom Lodge itself. While the zebras were technically “on the loose,” they were never actually in a place where guests could interact with them. Disney intentionally built the resort’s Savanna area with elevated balconies and separated walkways, ensuring that while visitors can enjoy close-up views of giraffes, zebras, and gazelles, there’s always a safe barrier between people and animals. So, while the zebras cleared their fence, they weren’t running through lobbies, near swimming pools, or down hallways.
Still, the sight of animals running free—even briefly—was a reminder of how unique Animal Kingdom Lodge is compared to any other Disney resort. Walt Disney dreamed of combining his love for nature with storytelling, and this property delivers on that vision. Guests don’t just see animals; they experience them as part of the environment, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
The internet, of course, had a field day with the video. Comments poured in with jokes about zebras “going on vacation” or “trying to rope drop their favorite ride.” Others were simply impressed by the athleticism of the animals. It’s rare that wildlife at Disney makes headlines, but when it does, it sparks both laughter and admiration.
Disney hasn’t released specifics about how the zebras were guided back, but the resort’s Animal Care team is highly experienced in these situations. They’re the same staff who handle animal births, medical care, and daily feeding schedules, so a surprise escape isn’t outside their skillset. Chances are, the zebras were calmly led back without much fuss.
For guests who happened to be there that day, though, it was a once-in-a-lifetime story. Most Disney vacation memories involve meeting Mickey, riding Space Mountain, or catching a parade—but these visitors got to see something that felt straight out of Jumanji. And really, that’s part of the magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: it’s a resort where anything can happen, even zebras staging a daring escape.
