ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 8 (UPI) — Rock barriers will replace a temporary rope fence along the beaches at a resort at Florida’s Walt Disney World after a 2-year-old boy was snatched by an alligator two months ago.
For five weeks, Disney workers have been building wide boulder walls along the Seven Seas Lagoon beach to serve as a barrier between guests and the lake.
After the June 14 attack at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a rope fence and warning signs were placed at Disney resorts. No fishing signs are at other resorts with lakefront access.
The barriers are part of the company’s wildlife plan formulated after the attack.
The family of 2-year-old Lane Graves was vacationing at the resort when the 7- to 8-foot alligator grabbed the boy in about a foot of water. His parents, Matt and Melissa, were unable to rescue Lane from the gator’s jaws before it disappeared with their child. His body was found 16 hours later.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Angelo Nieves said witnesses saw a second alligator attack Lane’s father as he attempted to save his son. Five alligators were killed during the search.
“We are installing signage and temporary barriers at our resort beach locations and are working on permanent, long-term solutions at our beaches,” Disney said in a statement after Lane’s death. “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.”
Lane’s parents, who live in Elkhorn, Neb., said last month they don’t plan to sue Disney and have created a foundation in Lane’s memory.
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