Disney's Discovery Island

Content Warning: Animal mistreatment and death



Discovery Island, which had gone through multiple name changes (Raz Island, Isles Bay Island, Riles Island, Treasure Island), was one of Walt Disney World's many attractions that first opened up in April 8, 1974 originally as Treasure Island. The island, located in the middle of Bay Lake, was used as a zoological park and held the biggest walk-through aviary in the world. It has been estimated that over 400 species of birds were held.

One of the most notable birds that were homed in this park was the Dusky Seaside Sparrow, the last of its species before it eventually passed away in 1987 and officially declared extinct 3 years later.

Other than birds, other species of animals such as primates, alligators, and tortoises were housed on Discovery Island. Many non-native and "exotic" plants were also planted on the Island.

Despite the good intentions as a conservatory, the attraction was without its glaring flaws. In 1989, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) accused Disney of its mishandling vultures on the Island. Among the many other instances of animal mistreatment, this was especially present in the fact that vultures had died during capturing efforts and vultures being kept in a metal shed without windows, ventilation, and proper resources required to home vultures. As many as 72 vultures had been kept in this shed.

Disney had gained 16 charges for animal cruelty. Charges were eventually dropped as improvements were made. Though, in classic Disney fashion, did not admit to any wrongdoings.

Discovery Island would eventually close on April 8, 1999. The animals, though not all, were relocated to the new attraction that is Disney's Animal Kingdom. Employees who had been on the island had only one year to relocate the rest of the animals that were not taken into the new attraction. The island remains untouched and seemingly without future plans ever since its closing, other than urban explorers travelling to the island. Damage to the buildings that still stood on the island were due to natural decay and hurricanes. The island remains heavily guarded.

Tale as old as time, Disney refuses to clean up its messes. Other now defunct attractions and rides, such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and River Country, have had the same fate as Discovery Island and were left to rot for decades.

Personally one of my favorite abandoned locations. Despite its less than stellar story, there is something tragically beautiful about this island going without further human intervention for so long, though Disney does very little with it. If I could, I would love to explore the memory of an island itself.

May the island remain unbothered. A time capsule to be cherished and home to the wildlife that resides in it. May the spirits of the animals who have been wronged rest easy.