Disney World has erected fences around water near the company’s Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando days after a toddler was snatched and killed by an alligator.
The fences were put up on Friday, three days after two-year-old Lane Graves of Nebraska was pulled from the shallows to deeper water in the Seven Seas Lagoon by an alligator.
A sign warning people of danger from alligators and snakes went up along with the fences. Previously, signs had only warned guests not to swim in the water.
The fences appear to be constructed from wooden posts and rope, but Disney officials said a more permanent solution is on the way.
“We are installing signage and temporary barriers at our resort beach locations and are working on permanent, long-term solutions at our beaches,” they said in a statement.
“We continue to evaluate processes and procedures for our entire property, and, as part of this, we are reinforcing training with our cast for reporting sightings and interactions with wildlife and are expanding our communication to guests on this topic.”
READ MORE: Family of toddler killed by gator at Walt Disney World ‘devastated’ by loss
The issue of alligators at the Orlando resort is not a new one. In a video posted in 2009, a Disney World employee is seen pushing a gator back into a stream next to Splash Mountain, a popular ride in the theme park.
In the video, the employee struggles to keep the reptile in the water, while oblivious guests enter and exit the ride just a few metres away.
Many are wondering if the company should have done something earlier.
“Disney has known about the problem of guests feeding the alligators,” a former employee told TheWrap.com.
He said he recommended adding fences along the waterfront, but claimed he was ignored.
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