Lane Thomas died at the age of two after being snatched by a crocodile at a Disney facility in Orlando, Florida.
(Lane Thomas Foundation)
Trapper removed 226 crocodile From Disney’s property since the tragic death of a 2-year-old boy Walt Disney World In Orlando Florida In 2016.
Lane Graves was snatched by a crocodile at the Seven Seas Lagoon at Grand Floridian Resort and Spa on vacation with Matt and Melissa Graves, parents of Elkhorn, Nebraska.
When the attack took place, the toddler was building a sand castle on the beach and bent over to scoop the water in the bucket. His body was recovered the next day by a police diver near the scene.
Since then, under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s state-wide crocodile harvesting program, catchers have removed or moved wildlife at an increased rate within established guidelines.
In 2016, 83 crocodiles were removed, 57 in 2017, 33 in 2018 and 2019, and 46 in 2020.
Most of the 2020 removals occurred when the park was closed due to a pandemic from March to July.
In the eight years before Lane died, an average of 23 crocodiles were eradicated annually.
“In line with our strong commitment to safety, we will continue to strengthen procedures related to sightings and reporting of wildlife interactions and work closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to identify specifics in accordance with state regulations. We will remove or relocate wildlife from our property, “said a Walt Disney World spokesman. Orlando News 6..
After Lane’s death, a lighthouse sculpture was installed as a monument, and the park added barriers such as warning signs and fences around the lake and other bodies of water to keep visitors away. Employee training has also been fixed.
To get rid of a crocodile as “nuisance,” it must be at least four feet long and considered a threat to people, pets, or property.
Disney has permission to remove 500 reptiles by April 2023. Each must be reported to state authorities and their size recorded.
Trappers receive a $ 30 benefit for each crocodile, most of which are euthanized. Their meat and skin may be sold for additional income. Others are sold to zoos and farms.
Relocation is more difficult as they tend to return to capture areas and already have a healthy population in remote areas.
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