LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA.—Firefighters at Walt Disney World were warned to stop feeding alligators at one of the resort’s fire stations two months before an alligator killed a toddler.
According to emails obtained by the Orlando Sentinel, Reedy Creek Emergency Services admonished firefighters for feeding at least one of two alligators at a station less than one kilometre from Seven Seas Lagoon where 2-year-old Lane Graves of Nebraska was killed after being pulled into the water by a gator.
Authorities say an alligator pulled Graves into the water June 14, despite the frantic efforts of his father. Lane’s body was recovered the next day. An autopsy showed the boy died from drowning and traumatic injuries.
READ MORE: Dad says 2 gators involved in Disney attack that killed son
Within days of the tragedy, Disney staff installed temporary barriers and new signs warning about the alligators. The beach at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is across a lake from the Magic Kingdom.
Feeding alligators is illegal.
The email said employees were afraid after one gator was spotted near the parking lot and asked officials to remove it.
Reedy Creek District Administrator John Classe said Disney’s animal-control department was contacted but he did not know whether either alligator was ever removed.
A Disney spokeswoman said Wednesday it was unclear whether the gator had been removed.
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