A former Kilimanjaro Safaris guide at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has shared the controversial protocol for dealing with a guest falling into the crocodile area. According to @william.rath on TikTok, drivers are instructed to leave the area immediately instead of attempting a rescue. This Disney rule, although alarming, is rooted in safety concerns due to the lethal nature of crocodile attacks.Drivers undergo extensive training regarding the crocodile pit, which has no fence over the bridge that crosses it, increasing the risk of someone falling in. The training emphasizes maintaining a steady speed while crossing to minimize exposure in this dangerous section. The rationale behind the immediate departure is grim: if a child falls in, they have little chance of survival, and the priority becomes limiting further victims by preventing others from trying to help.The Reasoning Behind the ProtocolA former guide explained that if a baby falls off a bridge and a parent tries to jump in to save them, the parent is unlikely to succeed because of how crocodiles attack. If the parent jumps in anyway, they likely won’t be saved either. This is because crocodiles are ambush predators and can pull adults underwater quickly. Jumping in to help becomes a dangerous situation that could lead to more victims.The best response is to leave the area immediately. This approach serves several purposes: it prevents other guests from seeing something terrible, stops additional people from jumping in to rescue, and allows a driver to call for emergency help, which is better equipped to handle such situations. While this may seem harsh and goes against our instinct to help, it is a practical choice because untrained people attempting a rescue face serious danger. @william.rath Replying to @chychydenney … #disney #castmember #disneyworld #disneycollegeprogram #disneyland ♬ original sound – abc_music4 Fortunately, in the decades since Kilimanjaro Safaris opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998, no one has ever fallen into the crocodile area. Everyone wants to keep it that way. The fact that millions of guests have safely enjoyed the safari in nearly 30 years shows how effective Disney’s safety measures are. These include secure seating, safety bars, and cast member training that focuses on keeping guests seated and in control of the vehicle. Many visitors do not believe the crocodile area is real; they think it is just themed with fake animals or animatronics. However, the crocodiles are real, and they are part of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve’s collection of authentic African wildlife.Understanding the Disney Safari ExperienceKilimanjaro Safaris offers a unique expedition through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, featuring free-roaming animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and more. The 18-minute journey takes place in open-sided safari vehicles that hold about 32 guests, with guides sharing insights about the wildlife. Each safari is different since the animals roam freely, meaning sightings can vary from ride to ride.Credit: Disney Located in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can enter by heading left into Harambe Village, which is marked by bright yellow signage. To enhance the experience, it’s best to go early in the morning when animals are more active and the weather is cooler, helping to avoid crowds and increase chances of observing natural animal behaviors.The Bridge and Crocodile EnclosureThe bridge crossing over the crocodile area represents one of the most visually striking moments of the safari as the vehicle traverses a narrow bridge with water visible below containing actual Nile crocodiles, apex predators that can grow up to 16 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds. The lack of fencing or barriers on the bridge creates an immersive experience where guests feel genuinely close to dangerous wildlife without the visual obstruction of safety railings, though the safari vehicle design with high sides and secure seating makes it extremely difficult for anyone to accidentally fall out under normal circumstances.Cast members receive extensive training not just about the crocodile protocol but about all aspects of safari operation including animal behavior, emergency procedures, vehicle operation, guest safety, and storytelling that enhances the educational component of the experience. Drivers must be able to identify all the animals on the reserve, understand their behaviors and needs, navigate the route efficiently while maintaining appropriate speed and spacing from other vehicles, and manage guest expectations and safety throughout the journey.Other Safari Experiences Available at DisneyDisney offers premium safari tours beyond the standard Kilimanjaro Safaris, catering to various ages and interests.Wild Africa Trek: The most adventurous option at $189 to $249 per person, this three-hour experience includes rope bridges, rugged terrain, and views of wildlife, along with gourmet snacks and professional photos.Caring for Giants: For $30 per person, guests can observe African elephants from 80 to 100 feet away while learning about their care.Credit: Edited by Inside the MagicUp Close with Rhinos: At $40 per person, this experience includes behind-the-scenes access to rhino keepers and their conservation efforts.Savor the Savanna: For $169 per person, enjoy a private savanna viewing with African-inspired food and drinks in a luxurious setting (ideal for adults and older teens).The Reality of Animal Safety Protocols at DisneyThe crocodile protocol revealed by the former cast member represents just one example of the extensive safety planning Disney implements for attractions featuring live animals where unpredictable situations could theoretically occur despite best efforts to prevent them. Cast members are trained on what to do if scenarios happen even when those scenarios are not likely and have never actually occurred, because preparedness means having established procedures ready to implement immediately rather than making decisions in the moment during crisis situations when panic and emotion could lead to worse outcomes.The controversial nature of the drive-off protocol stems from how it contradicts normal human instincts to help people in danger, but Disney’s priority must be preventing additional casualties rather than enabling futile rescue attempts that would only result in more deaths. Emergency response teams stationed throughout Animal Kingdom are equipped and trained to handle animal-related emergencies with specialized equipment and protocols that safari drivers do not have access to, making the driver’s role getting remaining guests to safety and alerting proper emergency personnel rather than attempting intervention themselves.For the millions of guests who ride Kilimanjaro Safaris each year, the crocodile bridge represents just another exciting moment during an amazing wildlife experience, and the fact that Disney’s safety protocols and cast member training have prevented any incidents over nearly three decades demonstrates that the systems work even when the specific procedures sound harsh or counterintuitive when explained outside the context of their life-saving purpose.The post Former Disney Cast Member Shares How They Abandon Guests on the Safari appeared first on Inside the Magic.