Thief Caught Redhanded in Disney World, Guest Goes Viral

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Disney World is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” but unfortunately, it’s not immune to crime.

Stepping into Walt Disney World Resort is like entering a realm where dreams come true. From the enchanting Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom to the World Showcase of EPCOT, the meticulously crafted lands transport guests to learn about new cultures. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can watch Fantasmic! with fan-favorite characters. Disney’s Animal Kingdom explores the circle of life.

In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in incidents of stroller thefts within the parks. Families visiting the parks often bring strollers to transport young children, and these strollers can become targets for thieves looking to make a quick profit.

Stroller thefts typically occur when families are distracted, such as when they’re waiting in line for attractions or enjoying a show. Thieves seize these opportunities to snatch unattended strollers, which may contain valuable items such as wallets, phones, cameras, and personal belongings and souvenirs.

Disney stroller

Some Disney World guests never even notice when items run off from the stroller. When guests park their strollers and leave valuables on them, anyone or anything can swipe them.

In a social media post, one Walt Disney World guest caught a stroller thief red-handed. This cute and cuddle thief was none other than a squirrel. The comments about this squirrel talk about how he was seen taking a napkin over in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Other comments talk about how other guests have seen this happen, but if their stroller was swiped from, it is not funny.

Disney World guests are looking to take proactive steps to safeguard their strollers and belongings while visiting Walt Disney World. This includes using stroller locks or securing valuables in lockable compartments, keeping strollers within sight whenever possible, and never leaving them unattended for extended periods.

Even with cute, cuddly stroller thieves running around the parks, Disney Work has dealt with car break-ins around EPCOT and credit cards being swiped, so always be on the lookout and practice safe precautions when making your way around the theme parks.

Mickey Mouse, cinderella castle, grayscaled

In addition, it’s important to note your stroller can be moved around while in stroller parking. Disney cast members will move strollers to keep walkways clear and to maintain order in the stroller parking area. When you come back from an attraction, you can always find your nearest cast member to help locate your stroller if you’re having trouble finding it.

Baby Elephant Debuts on Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

A baby elephant named Corra, who was born last December, has made her debut on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Savanna has a brand-new and completely adorable 312-pound resident. Corra, a two-month-old African elephant, made her debut today. Her mother, Nadirah, was also born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom making Corra the first second-generation elephant in Animal Kingdom’s history.

Corra will be surrounded by a few familiar faces on the savanna, since she is joining a herd that includes her aunts Stella and Luna, as well as her grandmother, Donna. Corra’s dad, Mac, also lives here at the park.

Getting to today was two years in the making. It all started with the animal care team and our endocrinologists noticing Nadirah’s new behaviors and maturity, indicating she might be ready to become a mom. After some hopeful introductions and a successful courtship, a match was made with Mac, leading to the magic of a second-generation calf at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Throughout her pregnancy, Nadirah had regular ultrasounds to make sure mom and baby were healthy. The final ultrasound was planned just a few weeks before she gave birth, but unlike ultrasounds you may know from human pregnancies, our veterinarians couldn’t see the entire calf because of Corra’s size and position. Still able to check in on the calf by feeling Nadirah’s belly, veterinarian Dr. Betsy could feel Corra move and even felt a little kick!

Nadirah voluntarily participated in her own care and keepers made sure she was comfortable every step of her pregnancy. That meant getting plenty of healthy and nutritious treats like her favorites, sweet potatoes, carrots and hay during regular checkups and exams.

With the big day in sight, the animal care and endocrinology teams carefully monitored the final stages of Nadirah’s nearly 22-month pregnancy, measuring the calf’s size, weight and mom’s hormones daily. A drop in progesterone levels was a sure sign that Corra’s arrival was close.

From timing maturity levels and coordinating introductions of mom Nadirah and dad Mac, to observing mating behaviors, monitoring hormonal cycles and the big labor and delivery day – the science behind the birth of a baby animal at Disney is facilitated by an orchestra of unsung heroes who quietly work behind the scenes and go to incredible lengths to ensure the genetic diversity and healthy population of endangered species.

In fact, our animal care team has welcomed a range of endangered and threatened species to Walt Disney World in collaboration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. These efforts have helped many species in our care including African elephants, Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, adorable cotton-top tamarins and the elusive okapi to name just a few.

And there’s one more thing. Wait … maybe two. Yes, that’s right, we are expecting two more baby elephants in 2025!

Seeing extraordinary moments like this is one of the many reasons Kilimanjaro Safaris is so special. Next time you’re at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, be sure to take a safari ride and say hello to this dynamic dynasty. And for the latest updates on the elephant herd and all the animals at Walt Disney World Resort, follow Dr. Mark on Instagram and Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page.

Rare Baby Okapi Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

A rare baby Okapi that was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in October 2023 has made its debut on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail!

Elijah is the first baby okapi to make his debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since 2012! This marks the 14th birth of this endangered species at Walt Disney World, and we’re overjoyed to see our okapi family continue to grow. When he was born in October, Elijah weighed 46 pounds, with the most adorable, yet huge ears. Today, he’s an impressive 165 pounds and has officially joined his mom onstage on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.

Elijah’s birth, like many others in our park, is made possible with the help of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. This program ensures the responsible breeding of this endangered species and other species that face threats like poaching and habitat loss.

What makes Elijah so special is his name, which honors a 50-year cast member!

Cast member Elijah first joined the Magic Kingdom Park in June 1973 and transferred to the horticulture department at Disney’s Animal Kingdom when it opened in 1998. He plays a critical role in maintaining the beautiful habitats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – from rhinos to okapi and everything in between – he creates environments that help ensure safety and promote enrichment for our animals at Walt Disney World. His passion and dedication to his role has made him a cherished cast member, and what better way to honor him than to name a rare okapi after him?

Mother in Recovery After Birthing Triplets Within Walt Disney World Theme Park

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, the wonders of the animal kingdom are brought to life at every turn, showcasing the captivating cycle of life. Step into this immersive theme park and prepare to be transported into a world where the “Circle of Life” is beautifully portrayed in countless ways.

As you venture through the park, be prepared to encounter an enchanting array of animal species from around the globe. From majestic lions to playful monkeys, every corner of the Animal Kingdom is teeming with diverse and fascinating creatures.

It’s a testament to the Disney Park’s commitment to conservation and education, allowing guests to connect with the Animal Kingdom animals in a meaningful and unforgettable way.

Just this week, it has been announced that three more additions have been brought into the world in this very park.

Walt Disney World Resort recently made an exciting announcement about the newest additions to their wild animal population. Three adorable cotton-top tamarins have arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, bringing joy and wonder to visitors and animal enthusiasts alike.

Born within the lush and vibrant surroundings of the park, these precious triplets are currently relishing in the loving embrace of their doting parents and siblings.

It’s truly heartwarming to witness the special bond that has formed within this cotton-top tamarin family.

These tiny primates, native to the tropical forests of Colombia, exemplify the beauty and diversity of animal life found in the animal kingdom. Disney’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare is demonstrated through their proactive efforts in supporting and protecting these critically endangered creatures.

The arrival of the cotton-top tamarin triplets is a significant event, not only for the park but also for the conservation community. These critically endangered animals symbolize the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of preserving precious habitats.

As ambassadors for their species, these tamarins offer a unique opportunity for visitors to learn and connect with the wonders of the natural world.

Nadirah Animal Kingdom

By showcasing these incredible animals, Walt Disney World plays a pivotal role in spreading awareness about the challenges faced by cotton-top tamarins and other endangered species. They raise the necessary funds and allocate resources to aid in the ongoing conservation efforts both within the park and beyond.

Their commitment to the well-being of these animals extends far beyond the confines of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as they actively participate in global initiatives to protect and restore habitats around the world.

Whether it’s at Kilimanjaro Safari, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, or Expedition Everest, the spirit of conservation is alive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

Disney World Changes Iconic Attraction

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

In a surprising move that left Disney enthusiasts both puzzled and nostalgic, Disney recently made the decision to remove a beloved animatronic character from one of its most popular attractions.

Disney World is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” bringing thousands of guests daily into the parks. Walt Disney World is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each Disney park offers exciting attractions, shows, and much more for guests of all ages and sizes.

Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle

Disney World attractions break down from time to time, which causes delays, longer wait times, and, sometimes, closes the attraction. In this case, Disney World has a backup plan when one of its animatronics breaks down at a popular attraction.

Disney Clips Guy noticed that Disney removed one of the most expensive Disney animatronics and replaced it with the screen. Disney removed the Na’vi Shaman from Avatar on the Na’vi River Journey to work on the animatronic.

When Disney removed Na’vi Shaman, they replaced the animatronic with a screen for a temporary replacement to get it back and running hopefully. Disney Cips Guy rode Na’vi River Journey a few days later, and Na’vi Shaman was back up and running.

Disney’s decision to remove and update the animatronic character shows the company’s dedication to staying relevant in an ever-changing world while maintaining its commitment to providing magical experiences for guests of all ages. As Disney continues to evolve its attractions, it will undoubtedly face more decisions that balance tradition with progress.

shaman of songs on na'vi river journey

Disney describes Na’vi River Journey like this:  “Go on a mystical river ride. Guests will feel a sense of wonder as the full beauty of the extraordinary dreamscape unfolds before their eyes. During this visually stunning and mysterious river, guests will glide through a series of caves and into a bioluminescent rainforest, alive with the sights and sounds of exotic plants and creatures on all sides—even overhead. Na’vi River Journey offers explorers an experience that has to be seen and heard to be believed.”