VIDEO: How the Magic Kingdom Bear Was Safely Captured and Relocated
Last month the Disney world was captivated by the black bear that paid a visit to the Magic Kingdom and roamed the banks of the Rivers of America.
On September 19, guests arriving at the Magic Kingdom were stunned to learn that Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square were closed and not accessible to guests.
Adventureland Closed
While Disney initially blamed technical difficulties for the lands’ closures, the real reason that the back half of the Magic Kingdom was closed soon came out. As it so happened, there was a black bear on the loose. Now we have the full story.
How Wildlife Workers Captured The Magic Kingdom Bear
As it turns out, the black bear was initially spotted by Disney employees on the Walt Disney World Railroad tracks. Using airhorns and other methods, Cast Members were able to drive the bear away from the populated area of the park and into a tree on the Rivers of America. Disney Cast Members have been trained on how to handle a bear situation.
Photo: ClickOrlando
Near the Native American vignette visible from both the Liberty Square Riverboat and Walt Disney World Railroad, the bear remained perched high in a tree when wildlife workers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrived.
The decision was eventually made to tranquilize the bear with a dart gun. There was just one problem — should the bear fall out of the tree, he could splash into the Rivers of America.
The bear in a tree above the Rivers of America. Photo: Click Orlando
If necessary, wildlife officials were ready to jump into the river and save the bear from drowning. Luckily, she landed on solid ground before heading into the foliage where she fell asleep.
A Happy Ending
Wildlife officials found the bear snoozing away, and she was then safely removed from the park. The bear was eventually relocated to her new home at the Ocala National Forest. A happy ending to one of the wildest days in Disney World history.
The Magic Kingdom bear in her new home. Photo: People Magazine
To watch the full video, visit Click Orlando.
