Disney World Has Removed Over 400 Alligators Since the 2016 Grand Floridian Tragedy

More Than 400 Alligators Removed From Walt Disney World Since 2016

Newly released records show that more than 400 alligators have been removed from Walt Disney World property since the tragic 2016 death of 2-year-old Lane Graves at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

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According to data obtained by local media, state-contracted trappers removed 414 alligators from Disney property during the ten years following the incident. Prior to 2016, an average of about 23 alligators per year were removed from Walt Disney World. That number jumped significantly in 2016, when 83 alligators were removed following the tragedy.

The removals are conducted through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, which handles alligators that may pose a threat to people, pets, or property. In Florida, nuisance alligators are generally classified as those measuring four feet or longer, although smaller animals can also be removed in certain situations.

In the years since 2016, Walt Disney World has implemented a number of additional safety measures around waterways across the resort. Guests can now find fencing, rock barriers, enhanced warning signage, and restricted shoreline access in many areas. Disney has also continued working closely with wildlife officials while reinforcing training and reporting procedures for Cast Members.

While the number of removals may sound significant, wildlife experts note that Florida’s alligator population remains healthy and stable, with an estimated 1.3 million alligators living throughout the state. The removal efforts are designed to manage interactions between wildlife and the millions of guests who visit Central Florida each year.

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Living alongside wildlife is part of the unique environment that makes Walt Disney World so special, and these ongoing safety measures help ensure guests can continue enjoying the resort safely. If you’re planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, our friends at Get Away Today can help you create a magical getaway while navigating everything the resort has to offer.

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