Government Launches Investigation Into 29 Animal Deaths at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Did you know that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park was investigated by the federal government before it opened?

On April 8, 1998, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated an investigation into a troubling series of animal deaths reported at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This probe arrived just weeks before the Disney park’s grand opening. The USDA said complaints from anonymous and named sources about the alleged care and management of the theme park’s animals spurred the investigation.

Shortly after the USDA announced its investigation, Disney officials confirmed that twelve exotic animals had died under Walt Disney World Resort‘s care. Four cheetah cubs succumbed to poisoning by a toxic substance, and two exotic birds tragically died when a tour bus accidentally ran them over. Additionally, a white rhinoceros died under anesthesia during a routine medical check, a hippo died due to blood poisoning, a black rhino developed a fatal infection after swallowing a large stick, and two Asian small-clawed otters died after eating a large amount of loquat fruit seeds.

Despite these distressing events, a Disney spokeswoman expressed confidence in the park’s animal care practices, asserting that the park complies with all relevant regulations. Authorities had previously found Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park compliant with all regulations in February 1998.

“We will welcome them back and cooperate fully,” a Disney spokesperson said at the time.

Details of the Animal Deaths

The USDA’s investigation revealed that 29 animals, including a diverse mix of species, died at or en route to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park between September and April 1998. The species affected ranged from cheetah cubs and otters to larger animals like rhinoceroses and hippos.

The report found causes of death ranging from maternal neglect to natural territorial disputes among animals. Additionally, a gazelle was found to have died after a kudu kicked it.

The USDA cleared Walt Disney World Resort in all 29 deaths, announcing its findings on the day Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened–April 22, 1998.

In the years since, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has exhibited a robust regulatory compliance record, having passed inspections and received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The AZA has also accredited Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT.

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