Walt Disney World has pleaded guilty to one federal misdemeanor charge for its handling of vultures that invaded the Discovery Island theme park.
As part of a settlement announced Friday, Disney agreed to pay a federal fine of $10,000 and contribute another $10,000 to the Florida Audubon Society. Disney also agreed to contribute $75,000 to the State Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission's conservation program.In exchange, the state agreed to defer 13 misdemeanor charges filed against Discovery Island and five employees for abusing the vultures and other wild birds. The state will drop all charges if the company and the employees adhere to all environmental and wildlife laws for a year.
Disney said the wild birds were attacking animals, stealing their food, defecating on park boardwalks and making too much noise.