years after its opening. but continued to operate until July 9, 1999, at which point all of its animals had been relocated to Disney's Animal Kingdom (whose Safari Village hub area was renamed Discovery Island) and other zoos. Although Disney never officially stated its reasons for closing the park, poor attendance and high maintenance costs, combined with the newer and bigger Disney's Animal Kingdom being opened a year before, are the most likely causes. Since its closing, the island has sat largely abandoned, with no signs of development. Disney considered teaming up with Cyan Worlds to turn the island into a replica of the titular island from the video game Myst, where visitors would solve puzzles while exploring. As of 2022, all original buildings and attractions remain on the island, though several have sustained major damage from hurricanes and natural decay. Today, the island can easily be seen from Walt Disney World Monorail, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, as well as from boat trips between them. It is adjacent to the former site of Disney's River Country water park, which closed in November 2001 and was ultimately demolished in April 2019. Unsanctioned visits In 2009, an account was published of an unauthorized exploration "a couple of years ago" with photographs by Shane Perez. In 2017 a film was published by Matt Sonswa of exploration of the island. On April 30, 2020, a man was arrested for camping on Discovery Island. He was removed from the island and banned from Walt Disney property. He called the island a "tropical paradise", and said he did not know the area was off limits to the public. Former attractions Parrots Perch – The Discovery Island Bird Show, featuring Macaws, Cockatoos, and other trained birds. Monkey Colony – Capuchin monkeys Trumpeter Springs – Trumpeter swans Bamboo Hollow – Lemurs from Madagascar. Vulture's Haunt – Vultures Toucan Corner – Toucans Cranes's Roost – Demoiselle cranes, Sandhill cranes, and Grey Crowned cranes Avian Way – The United States' most extensive breeding colony of scarlet ibis. Muntjacs and peacocks were also kept here. Pelican Bay – Brown pelicans Flamingo Lagoon – Flamingos Tortoise Beach – five Galápagos tortoises Alligator Pool – American alligators Eagle's Watch – Bald eagles References External links Discovery Island on Modern Day Ruins BBC report Defunct amusement parks in Florida Walt Disney World Walt Disney Parks