Disney officials have had hundreds of real alligators trapped and killed over the years, including half a dozen following a recent fatal attack on a 2-year-old. Now the park has given fictional beasts the hook, too, removing croc and gator characters from shows and rides.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Louis, the trumpet-playing alligator seen above in an image from the movie "The Princess and the Frog," got yanked from the "Friendship Faire castle show at Magic Kingdom," the Miami Herald reported. The crocodile from "Peter Pan" was similarly removed from the "Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom."
Croc and gator-themed jokes have been excised from humorous tour-guide spiels, too.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trapped and killed six alligators near the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa where an animal fatally attacked toddler Lane Graves.
Soon after the attack, Disney closed beaches on the resort property and later said it would install alligator warning signs. Previously the posted signs merely said no swimming.
"There are no words to describe the profound sadness we feel for the family of Lane Graves," said FWC executive director Nick Wiley. "We will continue to keep this family close to our hearts as they deal with the pain and grief of the loss of Lane."
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