Opening on April 8, 1974, Discovery Island—originally named Treasure Island—was an approximately 11-acre wildlife preserve located in the middle of Bay Lake at Walt Disney World. Accessible only by boat, guests boarded a vessel for a short ride to the island’s dock, where they could purchase tickets and begin exploring the lush, animal-filled environment. The island featured a mix of natural habitats and free-roaming animals, with some areas enclosed by netting to protect both guests and wildlife. It was home to over 150 birds and small primates, and even housed the last known dusky seaside sparrow, which died in 1987.
The name was changed to Discovery Island when the attraction was officially recognized as a zoological park. Guests could wander shaded paths, observe exotic species, and enjoy a tranquil escape from the bustle of the main parks. The experience was intimate and educational, with a focus on conservation and animal care.
In early 1999, following the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the majority of the animals were relocated to the new park, particularly to its central hub area—also named Discovery Island. The original island closed to the public on April 8, 1999, exactly 25 years after its opening, and ceased operations entirely by July 9, 1999.
Since then, the island has remained abandoned, with only the dock removed. While no longer accessible to guests, much of the infrastructure remains visible from the waters of Bay Lake, including ticketing buildings, pathways, habitat structures, netting, and the remnants of a faux shipwreck known as the “Walrus”, still resting along the beach. The island continues to serve as a quiet refuge for native birds and wildlife, and has become a subject of fascination for urban explorers and Disney historians alike.
Incredibly sad; the animal “mishandling” on this island went way deeper than vultures, hawks, and egrets. Other animals were found emaciated, abused, restrained, and deceased. They did not receive proper care for years and Disney was highly negligent. Only a few animals were relocated to the “animal kingdom” feature, the rest were either left there (some locked up and abandoned) and the adorable capuchin monkeys were tragically sold to labs for experimentation. Disney is definitely NOT what it seems.
I would love any information you have on the animals left behind and/or sold to labs! Happy to tell the full story on our site (but avoid rumors) so anything you have that can prove that would be great!