Alligator takes two year old at Disney Beach resort

[Cherie]

A father fought in vain to wrestle his two-year-old son from the jaws of an alligator at the Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida, police have said.

A massive search is under way for the missing boy, who was on holiday with his parents and two siblings from Nebraska.

Jerry Demings, Orange County Sheriff, told a 1am press conference how the family, who have not been named, were relaxing in a beach area at the edge of a lake on Tuesday when the alligator struck.

“There is a sandy beach area and the family was out simply relaxing ... and in the water along the lake’s edge at the time the alligator attacked the child.

“It’s my understanding the father was there nearby and the child was playing in the water, just a foot or so into the water, and the alligator came up,” he said.

“The father at some point struggled to try to get his son and was not successful and then alerted others to try and assist him in the process.”

“At some point I am told the mother may also have entered the water. The parents diligently tried to get the child,” Demings said.


http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/15/alligator-two-year-old-child-disney-world-hotel-florida

[Niamh.]

omg that is horrific

[Cherie]

I know, poor kid and family

[Crimson Dynamo]

Walking near waters edge at 9.20 at night...

[Cal.]

Poor kid<\3 What a horrible event.

And poor innocent alligators who will get killed and cut open and be revealed to have not eaten him.

[user104658]

Walking near waters edge at 9.20 at night...

Perhaps there should be more prominent information on display given that it's a tourist area... people who live in Florida know how to peacefully co-exist with these animals, the do's and don't's, because they do it every day but this family was from Nebraska, which is smack in the centre of the US thousands of miles from either coast, and it seems like they were simply unaware of the risks.

[DemolitionRed]

I agree with TS. Having lived in Louisiana, I would never paddle in pools of water or the ocean at night because that's when the predators are active. This couple wouldn't of risked the life of their child if they'd fully understood the dangers.

This is an awful tragedy for this family.

[Cherie]

The problem with Disney resorts is you tend to suspend reality, if the area was set up as a beach resort then paddling in the water at 9pm on holiday is no biggie, if there were no warning signs I personally wouldn't be aware, it's not the Everglades

[Niamh.]

The problem with Disney resorts is you tend to suspend reality, if the area was set up as a beach resort then paddling in the water at 9pm on holiday is no biggie, if there were no warning signs I personally wouldn't be aware, it's not the Everglades

I agree, they should have had signs up warning people to stay out of the water in the evenings

[Braden]

This is awful. I feel so sorry for the little kid and his family :(

[Livia]

Perhaps there should be more prominent information on display given that it's a tourist area... people who live in Florida know how to peacefully co-exist with these animals, the do's and don't's, because they do it every day but this family was from Nebraska, which is smack in the centre of the US thousands of miles from either coast, and it seems like they were simply unaware of the risks.

I've never even been to Florida and yet I know there are gators there, who live in the water and who will eat you. It's dangerous always to let other people do your thinking for you.

[Drew.]

Can't imagine how horrific that would have been for the parents

[Niamh.]

I've never even been to Florida and yet I know there are gators there, who live in the water and who will eat you. It's dangerous always to let other people do your thinking for you.

I knew there were alligators in the everglades but I would never have thought they'd be in the sea there

[Livia]

I knew there were alligators in the everglades but I would never have thought they'd be in the sea there

I'm sure you wouldn't let a 2 year old get far enough away from you to get eaten.

All that said, it'#s pretty horrific and I feel very sorry for the parents, but mainly the kid.

[Niamh.]

I'm sure you wouldn't let a 2 year old get far enough away from you to get eaten.

All that said, it'#s pretty horrific and I feel very sorry for the parents, but mainly the kid.

Well we don't know how quickly it all happened or how far away the father was, sounds like he was pretty close going by the report, something like that could happen in a heart beat, I'd imagine

[user104658]

I've never even been to Florida and yet I know there are gators there, who live in the water and who will eat you. It's dangerous always to let other people do your thinking for you.

Yes, I would too, but I've come to realise that some people (me included) are just compelled to "know stuff". That's not a brag, in fact sometimes it's an annoying flaw, and not everyone has that thirst for seemingly random general knowledge. For example, if we start watching a new TV show, half way through the first episode my wife will be like "What are you doing on your phone?" and I'll be like "Oh nothing... just looking up every single actor in this show and looking at everything else they've ever been in...". Or to use another example... I now know 100% more about the location, climate and wildlife of Nebraska than I did before this thread :whistle:.

Anyway, my point is that some people are not that way inclined and do operate on certain presumptions - e.g. that if they go to a resort run by a major company, it will be "safe". Where there are obvious risks like this, that not everyone will know of, I think there should probably not only be signs but prominent information pamphlets in each hotel room briefly outlining any "local dangers" that wouldn't be a concern everywhere. You don't need to tell people that they might drown in deep water, or be hit by a car crossing the road, because those things are universal... but things like dangerous wildlife is probably worth a heads-up.

[user104658]

Well we don't know how quickly it all happened or how far away the father was, sounds like he was pretty close going by the report, something like that could happen in a heart beat, I'd imagine

They can sneak up silently and the actual "lunge" is in the blink of an eye... the second problem is that once they clamp down it's almost impossible to force their jaws back open... doesn't bear thinking about when someone is trying to save their child. Unless you have a gun or knife on you there's really nothing you can do.

[Cherie]

Yes, I would too, but I've come to realise that some people (me included) are just compelled to "know stuff". That's not a brag, in fact sometimes it's an annoying flaw, and not everyone has that thirst for seemingly random general knowledge. For example, if we start watching a new TV show, half way through the first episode my wife will be like "What are you doing on your phone?" and I'll be like "Oh nothing... just looking up every single actor in this show and looking at everything else they've ever been in...". Or to use another example... I now know 100% more about the location, climate and wildlife of Nebraska than I did before this thread :whistle:.

Anyway, my point is that some people are not that way inclined and do operate on certain presumptions - e.g. that if they go to a resort run by a major company, it will be "safe". Where there are obvious risks like this, that not everyone will know of, I think there should probably not only be signs but prominent information pamphlets in each hotel room briefly outlining any "local dangers" that wouldn't be a concern everywhere. You don't need to tell people that they might drown in deep water, or be hit by a car crossing the road, because those things are universal... but things like dangerous wildlife is probably worth a heads-up.


This is a man made Disney Beach at a cuddly Disney resort I think most people will make themselves aware of risks if they go to a new country, but in a situation like this where nature has been tampered with especially by the child friendly Disney brand there were no warning signs it's criminal

[Cherie]

That is of course if there are no signs but if there were I doubt anyone would be paddling in the evening :worry:

[Niamh.]

That is of course if there are no signs but if there were I doubt anyone would be paddling in the evening :worry:

yeah that's true too

[Amy Jade]

I've been to the exact resort and there are signposts telling you to keep out of the water everywhere so while I do feel absolutely sad for the poor child and the family they should have never allowed a child to go into that water

[Cherie]

Why would they ignore the signs, another tragedy that could be avoided

[Niamh.]

I've been to the exact resort and there are signposts telling you to keep out of the water everywhere so while I do feel absolutely sad for the poor child and the family they should have never allowed a child to go into that water

Well that puts a different spin on it then

[Cherie]

Well that puts a different spin on it then


Yep

[Amy Jade]

I literally have no ideal why they would have been where they were in the unattended water when there are huge pools in the resort that are open until really late

(When I was there they had the pool open from 6am til 11pm and they showed Disney movies on a huge screen 3 times a day)

[Macie Lightfoot]

for whatever it's worth, the Grand Floridian (resort where it happened) is on a man-made lake with plenty of beach areas to be walking along. I don't think it's strange that people were close to the water (although being in the water is a different story.)

I'm going to WDW next week so it'll be interesting to see what the atmosphere is like after this and the Orlando shooting. Too many terrible things happening all at once.

[AnnieK]

Can't imagine what terror and pain that child will have felt. The parents should have read the signs and not allowed the child in the water. So sad.

[arista]

https://twitter.com/Menardness/status/742900849089871876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
[They're saying that a 2 year old
was eaten by an alligator... Jesus.]

[joeysteele]

Walking near waters edge at 9.20 at night...

Crumbs yes, I missed that bit I thought it was am not pm,good point.

Horrible tragedy but that I find unacceptable.

[jaxie]

It sounds like a nightmare what a horrible thing for any parent to have to face but I have to wonder didn't they know they were in an area where there might be alligators? Didn't Disney have any warning signs up? If there were signs, what were mum and dad thinking? I don't live anywhere near any alligators but if I saw a sign, no way my kids would be in that water. Kind of wonder what a 2 year old was doing up at 9.20pm as well, mine was always zonked out by then holiday or not.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Perhaps there should be more prominent information on display given that it's a tourist area... people who live in Florida know how to peacefully co-exist with these animals, the do's and don't's, because they do it every day but this family was from Nebraska, which is smack in the centre of the US thousands of miles from either coast, and it seems like they were simply unaware of the risks.

There were signs up around warning about swimming but not the crocks it seems

[jennyjuniper]

Notices should have been posted stating the dangers of bathing etc where crocodiles are likely to be. Maybe this poor family didn't realise the dangers?

[Livia]

Notices should have been posted stating the dangers of bathing etc where crocodiles are likely to be. Maybe this poor family didn't realise the dangers?

I think it's already been said that there were notices.

[Crimson Dynamo]

I find it staggering that they

1. did not know that crocs and sharks feed at dawn and dusk

2. that crocs/alligators were not present and a danger

3. that they let a small child paddle at 9.20pm

[Cherie]

Notices should have been posted stating the dangers of bathing etc where crocodiles are likely to be. Maybe this poor family didn't realise the dangers?


No notices about crocs just no swimming, he was paddling which is not unknown for people to do in water that they can't swim in, Disney have to shoulder the blame for this one, it's all very well saying people should research etc, but Disney have a man made beach there what signal does that send out

[Cherie]

I find it staggering that they

1. did not know that crocs and sharks feed at dawn and dusk

2. that crocs/alligators were not present and a danger

3. that they let a small child paddle at 9.20pm

I didn't know 1. I wouldn't expect 2 especially as there is a man made beach and no notices about crocs. 3 meh they are on holiday ever been on a Spanish beach the families only come off the beach at sundown, they are asleep while the Brits are burning themselves to a frazzle in the noon day sun :hee:

[Ammi]

..this is so horrendous for the family plus everyone else who is staying there atm...although there were 'no swimming' signs, the Orange County Sheriff said that nothing like this has ever happened before, so it would be easy with his parents both close and watching him, which they were..to feel relaxed enough to not ever think of any possible danger like this...Disney Resort may be built on Marshland but I think that it's still one of those freak things that no one would have predicted as the nightmare reality that is now...

[Crimson Dynamo]

:sad:

Investigators killed four alligators while searching for a boy who was attacked and dragged into a lake Tuesday night

None of the alligators killed showed signs of having attacked the child

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article83871167.html#storylink=cpy

[jaxie]

:sad:

Investigators killed four alligators while searching for a boy who was attacked and dragged into a lake Tuesday night

None of the alligators killed showed signs of having attacked the child

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article83871167.html#storylink=cpy

That also seems a bit rough on the alligators, why kill them if they hadn't done any harm? They are clearly wildlife natural to the area.

[Crimson Dynamo]

That also seems a bit rough on the alligators, why kill them if they hadn't done any harm? They are clearly wildlife natural to the area.

The whole resort is built on a gator swamp

[Dollface]

Is it bad that the ones I feel most sorry for is the gators?

[Mokka]

I don't know why we expect tourists at a resort to know anything about the local wildlife dangers if not prewarned. People don't go out into or educate themselves on their own local natural habitat. They probably chose a resort for that false sense of protected against the real world they are visiting... much like when people go to poverty stricken South America and think its so wonderful having never set foot outside of the resort.Yes, there is an element of ignorance here from the parents... but I don't fault them for it because it is a larger systemic ignorance of our society on a whole.

It's just a tragedy as far as I can see, but one that was perpetrated by our society as a whole.

[Niamh.]

Is it bad that the ones I feel most sorry for is the gators?

I feel more sorry for a two year old child over a reptile personally :shrug:

[Cherie]

I feel more sorry for a two year old child over a reptile personally :shrug:

Me too

That also seems a bit rough on the alligators, why kill them if they hadn't done any harm? They are clearly wildlife natural to the area.


They killed them to find some remains of the child I expect

[Livia]

That also seems a bit rough on the alligators, why kill them if they hadn't done any harm? They are clearly wildlife natural to the area.

The same thing happens when some dickhead swimming/diving/surfing in shark-infested waters gets attacked by a shark. All the sharks in the area get slaughtered whether they are man eaters or not. Same thing will happen here.

It's about time people got some ****ing awareness of the world around them instead of blindly lurching around waiting for other people to point out potential dangers.

[Wizard.]

Jesus I feel so sorry for them. The pain that child must've gone through, being eaten by an alligator is not a pleasant way to go. I remember reading about a women being eaten by one a few weeks ago after going skinny dipping, I mean ffs you're in Florida how would you not know? That's like going to Kansas and staying outside when the winds are 200mph and not expect a tornado to sweep you away.

[Dollface]

The same thing happens when some dickhead swimming/diving/surfing in shark-infested waters gets attacked by a shark. All the sharks in the area get slaughtered whether they are man eaters or not. Same thing will happen here.

It's about time people got some ****ing awareness of the world around them instead of blindly lurching around waiting for other people to point out potential dangers.

:clap1:

If people took notice of signs, or watched their bloody children, animals wouldn't be getting killed because of their ignorance. Gorillas, Alligators, Sharks, what next...

[Cherie]

The same thing happens when some dickhead swimming/diving/surfing in shark-infested waters gets attacked by a shark. All the sharks in the area get slaughtered whether they are man eaters or not. Same thing will happen here.

It's about time people got some ****ing awareness of the world around them instead of blindly lurching around waiting for other people to point out potential dangers.


I don't think a toddler with his feet in an a few inches of water in a Disney Resort is blindly lurching around, Disney knew the risks otherwise why wouldn't they have warned against swimming, they are trying to protect their brand hence never mentioned crocs, you take your kids to Disney and pay handsomely for the privilege of its family friendly brand, you at least expect to be warned of the potential risk however small of an animal eating your toddler, swimming in shark infested waters is a whole different matter

[Glenn.]

The problem with Disney resorts is you tend to suspend reality, if the area was set up as a beach resort then paddling in the water at 9pm on holiday is no biggie, if there were no warning signs I personally wouldn't be aware, it's not the Everglades

I've paddled in the same water and I completely agree.

This is horrific. That poor family.

[Kazanne]

Well blame aside,that poor kid,I cannot as a mom imagine the horror of seeing your child dragged off like that.Very sad story

[Tarryn]

Is it bad that the ones I feel most sorry for is the gators?

No.
Parents are irresponsible but the animals have to pay every time for it.
The alligator was just doing what is natural to him.
Poor kid, poor gator.

[DemolitionRed]

It wouldn't of mattered if the child was in the water or close to the shoreline. Alligators often attack people near the waters edge.

I understand why they are killing alligators within that lagoon. Once they find or if they find the remains of that child in the contents of its stomach, that, as far as they are concerned puts an end to it. Sad as that may sound, its better than every angry person with a gun going out and shooting as many alligators as they can find. Vigil-anti attacks happen in cases like this but if the culprit is found, anger subsides and less animals suffer from revenge attacks.

When that stingray killed that TV personality people were angry and the consequences of that anger is, many hundreds of stingrays were needlessly killed by vigil-anti groups.

[DemolitionRed]

Just about everyone who suffers an alligator attack are being irresponsible but irresponsibility can be born of naivety. That sign should of warned people not to go on the beach during dawn or dusk hours and it should of clearly said there were alligators in the lagoon.

How anyone could be angry with the parents for this tragedy is alarming.

[Cherie]

Yes DR just seen a report in the Mirror of a family sitting on a beach near the same place when an Alligator came out of the water, it was reported to security at the resort, but obviously Disney thinks more about profit than the safety of their guests

[Cherie]

Just about everyone who suffers an alligator attack are being irresponsible but irresponsibility can be born of naivety. That sign should of warned people not to go on the beach during dawn or dusk hours and it should of clearly said there were alligators in the lagoon.

How anyone could be angry with the parents for this tragedy is alarming.

Warning signs usually carry the reason for the warning..No Swimming..dangerous currents or whatever. No swimming, danger of crocs isn't the image Disney wants obviously

[VanessaFeltz.]

No.
Parents are irresponsible but the animals have to pay every time for it.
The alligator was just doing what is natural to him.
Poor kid, poor gator.

yeah basically. I felt bad for the gorilla they had to shot as well. I just wish people see these news and they can be more careful

[Glenn.]

The little boy's body was recovered. As tragic as it, is he was intact.

[Kazanne]

A few Aligators been killed and cut open already aswell :-(

[Glenn.]

5 in total.

[Marsh.]

So he died from drowning?

[Glenn.]

It appears so.

[Glenn.]

Well the alligator drowned him

[Jake.]

devestating

[DemolitionRed]

I'm so glad they have found his body and that the killings will now stop.

I know we get up in arms about killing an animal that was only doing what was instinct but think on, they do have a culling season (at least I know they do in Louisiana) where people become licensed crocodile and alligator hunters. There meat is sold along with their skins.

I read somewhere that Florida has a population of 15 million and there is one alligator for every 15 people. The reason they have culls is because the can't afford to have more alligators than the million they already have.

[Adamw92]

Its so sad, I'm glad they managed to find his body but he must have been so scared, what an awful way to go :(

[Cherie]

At least he was found that's some comfort, poor little guy.

[Ammi]

..this sadly was doubtful of any other outcome..maybe the signs should have been more specific but then nothing like this has ever happened in the 60 or so yrs since Disneyland has been there..I think it's more now of changes and reassessments for the future...I hope that his parents/siblings get all of the support which is going to be so very much needed....

[AnnieK]

So sad :sad:

[kirklancaster]

Why not invest some of those massive profits and install Alligator 'proof'steel mesh barriers - anti-shark style - at a point off shore? It may not totally eradicate this horrific problem but it WILL reduce the odds of it happening again.

No matter how rare these type of incidents are, just ONE little child's death is unacceptable.

[DemolitionRed]

Did they find his body inside an alligator ?

[joeysteele]

Did they find his body inside an alligator ?

No, it must have dropped him and he apparently drowned it seems.

[Northern Monkey]

I think this was just a tragic man meets nature accident and it does no good to start laying blame tbh.One thing's for sure people will learn from this and it will be less likely to happen again in the future.I know quite alot of things and i know about alligators in Florida and how they're often foundon peers and in peoples gardens and in parks etc however I wouldn't have known they also live in the sea.I struggle to believe that if the parents saw a sign saying there were gators in there that they would let their kids paddle in there.Maybe the signs are'nt clear enough as to the reason you should avoid the water at certain times or maybe the parents did'nt see the signs,Who knows but lessons will definitely be learned.

[joeysteele]

Why not invest some of those massive profits and install Alligator 'proof'steel mesh barriers - anti-shark style - at a point off shore? It may not totally eradicate this horrific problem but it WILL reduce the odds of it happening again.

No matter how rare these type of incidents are, just ONE little child's death is unacceptable.

Indeed, I agree Kirk.
Always safety first.

[Glenn.]

There are multiple signs along the shore that say 'do not enter water'

[kirklancaster]

There are multiple signs along the shore that say 'do not enter water'

But do they specifically point out the potential danger from Alligators Glen?

When my children were little, I never cautioned them against any potentially dangerous action without explaining just WHY they should not carry out such actions.

I find that most people take more notice of warnings when the danger is spelled out.

[kirklancaster]

Indeed, I agree Kirk.
Always safety first.

Hi Joey,

Let's all just hope that this tragedy DOES galvanise Disney to initiate real safety measures with 'cost effectiveness' not being a factor.

[Niamh.]

Why not invest some of those massive profits and install Alligator 'proof'steel mesh barriers - anti-shark style - at a point off shore? It may not totally eradicate this horrific problem but it WILL reduce the odds of it happening again.

No matter how rare these type of incidents are, just ONE little child's death is unacceptable.

yeah that's a good idea Kirk


Poor kid glad he was found though :(

[Glenn.]

But do they specifically point out the potential danger from Alligators Glen?

When my children were little, I never cautioned them against any potentially dangerous action without explaining just WHY they should not carry out such actions.

I find that most people take more notice of warnings when the danger is spelled out.

As far as I'm aware no. I know if they spot a gator in the lagoon or any area where guests are they relocate them. Gator attacks are extremely rare in Florida as it is.

It's such a tragedy

[Cherie]

I think this was just a tragic man meets nature accident and it does no good to start laying blame tbh.One thing's for sure people will learn from this and it will be less likely to happen again in the future.I know quite alot of things and i know about alligators in Florida and how they're often foundon peers and in peoples gardens and in parks etc however I wouldn't have known they also live in the sea.I struggle to believe that if the parents saw a sign saying there were gators in there that they would let their kids paddle in there.Maybe the signs are'nt clear enough as to the reason you should avoid the water at certain times or maybe the parents did'nt see the signs,Who knows but lessons will definitely be learned.

The signs said no swimming, the kid was paddling near the shore, I've often seen the red flag flying at the beach and while people don't often swim they will go for a paddle near the shore line, the signs should have been a bit more specific as to the actual danger and why there should be no swimming

[Niamh.]

The signs said no swimming, the kid was paddling near the shore, I've often seen the red flag flying at the beach and while people don't often swim they will go for a paddle near the shore line, the signs should have been a bit more specific as to the actual danger and why there should be no swimming

yes i agree

[Cherie]

I've paddled in the same water and I completely agree.

This is horrific. That poor family.

There are multiple signs along the shore that say 'do not enter water'



:worry:

[Glenn.]

Don't judge me :fist:

It las to get the sand off my feet.

[Cherie]

Don't judge me :fist:

It las to get the sand off my feet.

I'd stick with the sand unless you want no feet :worry:

[Glenn.]

I will also add that when I watched the fireworks on the beach the loungers were very close to the waters edge. I can see things being changed dramatically in the coming days.

[Niamh.]

I'd stick with the sand unless you want no feet :worry:

:laugh:

[Cal.]

:sad:

Investigators killed four alligators while searching for a boy who was attacked and dragged into a lake Tuesday night

None of the alligators killed showed signs of having attacked the child

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article83871167.html#storylink=cpy

Knew this would happen.

[Cherie]

I will also add that when I watched the fireworks on the beach the loungers were very close to the waters edge. I can see things being changed dramatically in the coming days.

There was a story about this in the mirror yesterday on iPad or I would find the link where a family watching the fireworks had to flee as a gator came onto the beach, another family informed security about it, it looks like it was an accident waiting to happen

[Cal.]

The little boy's body was recovered. As tragic as it, is he was intact.

</3

RIP x

[Cal.]

Idg why they're killing alligators tho? Like if you go in alligator invested waters then you might get eaten by an alligator, of course it wasn't the kids fault but the alligator doesn't know that it shouldn't eat people? It's an instinct. The family were at fault not the alligator?

[Cal.]

They've closed the beaches until the alligator is captured? He didn't eat the kid so how are they gonna know? Are they just gonna kill ALL the alligators?

[Cherie]

Idg why they're killing alligators tho? Like if you go in alligator invested waters then you might get eaten by an alligator, of course it wasn't the kids fault but the alligator doesn't know that it shouldn't eat people? It's an instinct. The family were at fault not the alligator?


There are pics of the lagoon, it looks like a beach! It is as far from looking like croc infested as you could get though

[Cal.]

There are pics of the lagoon, it looks like a beach! It is as far from looking like croc infested as you could get though

Okay so it wasn't the families fault then - but still - alligators live there? I honestly am baffled as to why they're trapping and euthanizing alligators? It's their natural instinct.

[Niamh.]

Idg why they're killing alligators tho? Like if you go in alligator invested waters then you might get eaten by an alligator, of course it wasn't the kids fault but the alligator doesn't know that it shouldn't eat people? It's an instinct. The family were at fault not the alligator?

It's not like alligators are a protected species there though, they're more of a pest, they regularly kill them just to try and cull their population so if they do that anyway, it's not such a big thing to do it to try and find the childs body

[Cal.]

The whole classification of a 'pest' is nonsense in itself. I don't think we have the right to decide what is a pest or not but that's a whole other issue.

I'm shocked they kill alligators all the time because they're a nuisance.

[Cherie]

Okay so it wasn't the families fault then - but still - alligators live there? I honestly am baffled as to why they're trapping and euthanizing alligators? It's their natural instinct.


I think they did it as they thought the child had been ingested, I understand it's tough on the animals who are minding their own business, I blame Disney really for calling it a Beach Resort...why they needed to put a fake beach near a croc lagoon is anyone's guess ..well it's not it's all about cash but you get my drift

[Niamh.]

The whole classification of a 'pest' is nonsense in itself. I don't think we have the right to decide what is a pest or not but that's a whole other issue.

I'm shocked they kill alligators all the time because they're a nuisance.

Would you consider rats a pest and would you support people exterminating them if they got so out of control they were everywhere?

[Crimson Dynamo]

It seems this happened in the 80s but the child got away according to GMB this am

[Cal.]

Would you consider rats a pest and would you support people exterminating them if they got so out of control they were everywhere?

Absolutely not they should be taken to the country and set free.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Meanwhile you can still go to Gatorland and feed the gators turkey dogs


http://www.gatorland.com/_upload/page-images/imgRookie.jpg

[Crimson Dynamo]

Meanwhile you can still go to Gatorland and feed the gators turkey dogs


http://www.wesh.com/news/experts-at-gatorland-say-attacks-are-rare-but-swimmers-must-use-caution/40074602

[Niamh.]

Absolutely not they should be taken to the country and set free.

:laugh2:

That wouldn't be very practical

[Cal.]

Murder isn't practical?

[Niamh.]

Murder isn't practical?

Well, I'm not a vegetarian so this is a whole other argument

[Vicky.]

This is just awful. I cannot imagine what those poor parents must have felt watching an alligator make off with their kid. And the child too, must have been so scared :(

I understand those saying the parents should have known better though, but its really not the time...

When we went to florida we stayed in these massive villa things each with their own pool. They all had nets around to stop gators lounging around in peoples back yards...didn't work though. Day 3 of our holiday the house across from us got stuck with an alligator floating round in their pool :facepalm:

[Niamh.]

This is just awful. I cannot imagine what those poor parents must have felt watching an alligator make off with their kid. And the child too, must have been so scared :(

I understand those saying the parents should have known better though, but its really not the time...

When we went to florida we stayed in these massive villa things each with their own pool. They all had nets around to stop gators lounging around in peoples back yards...didn't work though. Day 3 of our holiday the house across from us got stuck with an alligator floating round in their pool :facepalm:

s**t :worry:

[Vicky.]

Meanwhile you can still go to Gatorland and feed the gators turkey dogs


http://www.wesh.com/news/experts-at-gatorland-say-attacks-are-rare-but-swimmers-must-use-caution/40074602

Oh god, we did this. I didn't know it was basically a farm though and that the gators there were all killed. My brother got a photo sitting on the back of one...I feel awful for enjoying the day now but I was a kid at the time and knew no different :(

[Cherie]

It seems this happened in the 80s but the child got away according to GMB this am

:facepalm: huge lawsuit incoming

[Glenn.]

We earlier today posted a statement from Walt Disney World’s president George Kalogridis about the fatal alligator attack that happened earlier this week at the Grand Floridian Resort. Now Disney is reportedly introducing changes that appear to be in response to this recent tragedy.

The Hollywood Reporter is saying that the script for the popular Jungle Cruise attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom will be changing starting today. According to the news outlet, the script will no longer contain the one-liner the captain says warning parents to “watch your children, or the crocodiles will.” The Jungle Cruise script is usually filled with pun-heavy material like this but understandably the Walt Disney Company did not think it was appropriate at this time to keep it in use and has ordered cast members working the ride to refrain from saying that specific one-liner. The corny script at the Jungle Cruise has been a mainstay since 1962 and is definitely a strong characteristic of the ride. Disney has not given any word if the joke will make a return or not in the future.

Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement following the discovery of the boy’s body: “As a parent and a grandparent, my heart goes out to the Graves family during this time of devastating loss.”

Many fans online are now speculating if we will see other cuts in attractions and shows featuring crocodiles like the Tick-Tock Crocodile in Peter Pan’s Flight and Louis the Alligator from The Princess and the Frog that is supposed to take the stage for the first time tomorrow in the new Magic Kingdom castle stage show – Mickey’s Friendship Faire.

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting another change at Walt Disney World that seems to be in response to the attack with plans to put up new signs warning visitors of alligators around their beaches and lakes on property. The tragic incident involving the 2-year-old little boy, Lane Graves, happened on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, so signs warning guests of alligators would definitely be appropriate. Previously, signs in the area warned guests to not swim in the water.

Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler was quoted in the Orlando Sentinel as saying: “We are conducting a swift and thorough review of all of our processes and protocols. This includes the number, placement and wording of our signage and warnings.”

This is not the first time alligators have been spotted on Disney property but it’s still not clear how many warning signs there will be or where they will be posted.

[Glenn.]

Oh god, we did this. I didn't know it was basically a farm though and that the gators there were all killed. My brother got a photo sitting on the back of one...I feel awful for enjoying the day now but I was a kid at the time and knew no different :(

We went the first time we were in Orlando and were appalled and never returned.

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

Too sad. RIP little angel.






But how come gorilla boy parents were dragged to filth for an accident and these parents weren't for going near water at night? :conf::nono:

[Ninastar]

Too sad. RIP little angel.






But how come gorilla boy parents were dragged to filth for an accident and these parents weren't for going near water at night? :conf::nono:

I've seen the parents dragged to filth by some people, but I imagine that because their son is dead, that most people think that is punishment enough.

[Cherie]

I've seen the parents dragged to filth by some people, but I imagine that because their son is dead, that most people think that is punishment enough.

:clap2: the parents in this case were physically with the child apparently the mum was playing with the child in the water so it wasn't a case where they let their toddler out of their sight, they were lulled into a false sense of security by the picture postcard beach and were naive to the risks

[Kizzy]

What a stupid thing to do build a faux beach with the risks of the local area, poor baby :(

[Braden]

What a stupid thing to do build a faux beach with the risks of the local area, poor baby :(

That's what I can't get my head around.

I agree with what Livia and Mokka have said about how stupid it is that the human race have constantly altered our planet for our own benefit (over trivial things like wanting more beaches?!) without taking into consideration the enviornmental factors and other species who also belong on Earth.

[Vicky.]

Too sad. RIP little angel.






But how come gorilla boy parents were dragged to filth for an accident and these parents weren't for going near water at night? :conf::nono:

Because allowing your child to climb into an enclosure with a dangerous animal is kinda different to letting them paddle on holiday.

You need to take your eyes off a young kid for a fair bit longer for them to manage to climb into a gorilla enclosure than you do for a split second croc attack :S

[Glenn.]

They're building a fence now that will span the length of the beach.

[Glenn.]

Also new signage has been installed

[Kizzy]

How about they just don't make any more alligator encouraging water features? or if they must but a building around it to protect paying customers.

I too feel for the beasts, 'hey, this place mimics my natural environment I'll just hang out here and do ma thang' ... They have it much easier than our wildlife though, foxes and badgers don't drown kids and yet we insist on hunting and culling :/

[Glenn.]

Because it's he first gator attack in 45yrs? As tragic as it is, it is an anomaly.

[Kizzy]

It's not the first, there was someone chased from that area also recently. It may have taken that long for it to become established as a habitat complete with flora and fauna, they may have been born there.

[Glenn.]

Regardless. It's Florida. Millions of people live were millions of alligators also live. Attacks are rare.

[Ninastar]

I'm confused about this beach thing. Are there any pics of what its supposed to look like?

[Macie Lightfoot]

https://cdn0.touringplans.com/static/hotels/orl010/overview/gflomap.jpg

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

Because allowing your child to climb into an enclosure with a dangerous animal is kinda different to letting them paddle on holiday.

You need to take your eyes off a young kid for a fair bit longer for them to manage to climb into a gorilla enclosure than you do for a split second croc attack :S

Hm, they didn't exactly let the child climb into the dangerous enclosure. Sure the mum looked away for a few seconds- minutes, who knows what she was doing-replying to a message? Checking she had enough money for the rest of the day? Who knows, plenty of parents look away for a bit and children get away many times. We should also point out that the father wasn't even there but he got dragged too, they brought up his criminal history like it mattered. If they're going to be criticised for that negligent mistake so should these parents-especially them because I live in UK and even I know there are alligators around that area. How the **** did they not? If you're going to take your child near water at night at least do proper research. From what i've seen before areas with alligators don't always have signs. So yeah, their negligence was fatal. They should also get scrutiny.


They're putting up signs now though so good thing came out of this tragedy.

[Ninastar]

https://cdn0.touringplans.com/static/hotels/orl010/overview/gflomap.jpg

and that was all man made?

[Glenn.]

Yes

[Cherie]

I'm confused about this beach thing. Are there any pics of what its supposed to look like?

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/chilling-photo-shows-boy-paddling-8215024

[Kizzy]

Regardless. It's Florida. Millions of people live were millions of alligators also live. Attacks are rare.

If they had built alligator paradise in their back garden like this they would be more frequent, luckily it doesn't seem many have.

[Ninastar]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/chilling-photo-shows-boy-paddling-8215024

My god I just started sobbing as I read through this. I love the child I nanny for with all my heart, but I cannot even begin to imagine how much hurt and pain these parents are going through. To see it happen as well. My god there really are just no words. The people who are trying to compare this with what happened in the Zoo with the gorilla should be ashamed of themselves.

[Macie Lightfoot]

and that was all man made?

The Lagoon is man-made, yes, but it's connected to a natural lake.

http://cheapskateprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bay-Lake-Seven-Seas-Lagoon-mapsjpg.png

[Kizzy]

Wow that's mad how could that ever have been considered safe?

[Niamh.]

Hm, they didn't exactly let the child climb into the dangerous enclosure. Sure the mum looked away for a few seconds- minutes, who knows what she was doing-replying to a message? Checking she had enough money for the rest of the day? Who knows, plenty of parents look away for a bit and children get away many times. We should also point out that the father wasn't even there but he got dragged too, they brought up his criminal history like it mattered. If they're going to be criticised for that negligent mistake so should these parents-especially them because I live in UK and even I know there are alligators around that area. How the **** did they not? If you're going to take your child near water at night at least do proper research. From what i've seen before areas with alligators don't always have signs. So yeah, their negligence was fatal. They should also get scrutiny.


They're putting up signs now though so good thing came out of this tragedy.

Honestly I don't think either set of parents should get scrutiny, more especially these parents as their baby is dead, they're never going to get over that. Thankfully the parents involved in the Gorilla incident still have their baby alive. Maybe calling for parents to get scrutinized isn't the way to go. Either incident could have happened to anyone imo.