Live Animals Relocated Due to Hurricane Milton Damage in Walt Disney World

in Walt Disney World

Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicle

Credit: Disney

Disney World is working to fix the damage done to its theme parks by Florida’s recent intense storms.

The Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park in front of a clear blue sky.
Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the Magic

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The Walt Disney World Resort emerged relatively unscathed from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, though one area inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom park was significantly damaged.

Guests who entered the line for Kilimanjaro Safaris in the days following Hurricane Milton likely noticed a tree had fallen down in the attraction’s queue, specifically where the cranes were held. A large tree came down amid the storm, damaging the enclosure.

As a result, all animals were removed as Disney works to repair the damage. Now, a few weeks later, an eagle-eyed Disney World fan has shared an update showing things are right on track.

Flamingos on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the Magic

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Earlier this month, avid Walt Disney World guest and Animal Kingdom fan Evan Patel shared an image of the tree that fell in the queue of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

The damage was still relatively minor, but the entire tree, including a large section of roots, was completely pulled from the ground.

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.

Patel shared a new photo that shows Disney has been working to “patch up” this area and that the fallen tree has since been removed.

The giant tree that came down in the Kilimanjaro queue has been removed and the fence is much better. Still no animals on show yet

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No animals have returned yet, though it’s likely guests will see a few critters make their way back into their enclosure as soon as more damage is fixed.

As stated earlier, the majority of the Walt Disney World Resort managed to emerge on the other side of Hurricane Helene and Milton with minor damage. A few lampposts, signs, and banners were tattered or missing during the Inside the Magic team’s recent October trip, but for the most part, Walt Disney World looks and feels just as it did prior to these storms.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of, if not Disney World’s most unique attractions, bringing immersive storytelling with real, live animals. The premise is simple: guests are invited to embark on an extensive wildlife trek led by a guide who takes them through the African Savanna. Along the way, guests have the chance to encounter dozens of different kinds of animals, ranging from hippos and flamingos to rhinos and cheetahs.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is truly an unforgettable experience, not just for animal lovers but Walt Disney World fans in general, and is something Inside the Magic always recommends first-time guests check out.

Below are just some of the many animals guests might spot during their adventures on Kilimanjaro Safaris:

  • Antelope
  • Baboon
  • Black rhino
  • Cheetah
  • Crocodile
  • Elephant
  • Flamingo
  • Gazelle
  • Giraffe
  • Hippopotamus
  • Hyenas
  • Lion
  • Okapis
  • Ostrich
  • Warthog
  • White rhino
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild dogs
  • Zebra

Do you enjoy this attraction? What’s your favorite ride at Walt Disney World?

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