Credit: Beatriz SharmaIn a heartwarming turn of events at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, a stray kitten was rescued from a potentially dangerous situation, thanks to the quick actions of a cast member and a compassionate park guest. The kitten, estimated to be about five weeks old, was discovered meowing under a parked car in the bustling parking lot of the park.
Related: Wild Animals at Disney: The Surprising Creatures You May Encounter on Your Park Vacation
A Lucky Rescue
The incident occurred on a sweltering afternoon when local guests, identified as a mother and daughter, arrived at the park. As they were exiting their vehicle, they heard the distressed cries of a kitten. They quickly spotted a cast member who was holding the tiny feline. According to the cast member, the kitten had been discovered by a guest who noticed the cries coming from underneath a car.
Such situations are not uncommon, as kittens sometimes crawl into car engines seeking warmth or shelter. According to the cast member, Animal Kingdom staff had already been notified, and a wait for the vet staff was expected. With temperatures rising and the kitten needing help, the situation could have easily become tense.
A New Home for the Kitten
Concerned for the kitten’s well-being and understanding the delay in professional care, the visiting guest, who later shared their story on social media, offered to take the kitten home temporarily. She said:
My mom and I went to Animal Kingdom this afternoon (we’re locals) and as soon as we parked and got out the car, she heard a kitten meowing and noticed this cast member, Rich, holding one. We walked up to him and he said a guest had heard a kitten crying under a parked car and they were able to get him out. Kittens hitching a ride in car engines happens a lot. Rich was waiting for someone to come from the vet staff to check him out before handing him over to animal setvies, but that could take hours. It’s another very hot day today and the kitten was getting stressed so I asked if I could take him home. We’ll just go to the park another day. He’s approximately 5 weeks old.
Sooooo, everyone, meet my new Disney kitty!
The gesture of taking in the stray kitten highlights the compassionate spirit often seen among Disney guests and staff. Animal Kingdom is known for its commitment to wildlife and animal care, and the presence of Cast Member Rich demonstrated the park’s dedication to not only caring for the park’s animals but also assisting in unexpected situations involving local wildlife.
The story quickly gained traction online, with many Disney fans applauding the guest’s quick thinking and kindness. Comments flooded in expressing admiration for their decision to take the kitten in, with many noting the heartwarming aspect of the rescue amidst the fun and excitement of a Disney park visit.
Ongoing Support for Animal Welfare
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is renowned for its efforts in wildlife conservation and animal care, and this incident reinforces the park’s commitment to both its animal residents and the wider community. The quick response from park staff and the compassionate actions of the guest ensured the kitten’s safety and well-being.
For those visiting Disney parks, the story serves as a reminder of the unexpected moments of kindness and community that can occur in everyday life. The kitten’s story is a testament to the caring nature of Disney’s guests and cast members, who often go above and beyond to make a positive difference.
As the kitten settles into its new home, the local community and Disney fans will undoubtedly keep an eye out for further updates on its well-being. For now, the little Disney kitty has found a loving new family, thanks to the timely and compassionate actions of a Disney guest and the dedicated efforts of park staff.
This post originally appeared on Disney Dining.