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EPCOT Video Shows Guest Handling Protected Bird, Raising Legal and Enforcement Questions

Viewers cite federal protections for white ibis, urging reports to Florida wildlife officials.

Overview

  • Footage posted on TikTok and reposted to X by the Walt Disney World: Active Calls account on December 21 shows a guest inappropriately handling a white ibis at EPCOT.
  • Disney’s posted rules prohibit feeding, touching, harassing, or harming wildlife on property, and the behavior shown would violate those policies.
  • A commenter identifying as a former zookeeper said white ibis are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Act and encouraged reporting the video to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
  • Articles note public outrage and include a witness claim that staff issued only minimal consequences, but they report no confirmed arrests, charges, or formal Disney resolution as of the latest updates.
  • Commenters linked the incident to wider concerns about EPCOT’s alcohol culture and cited similar wildlife-harassment behavior at other Disney parks.