Update: FAQ’s from the Mouse House! See below the original blog post!
Original post: We’ve gotten some basic first reports from cast members that the Tree of Life icon at the Animal Kingdom park at the Walt Disney World Resort had some sort of damage or incident reportedly involving one of the smaller branches falling off the tree itself. While Disney investigates – as it’s not a real tree, but a massive metal structure – the It’s Tough to Be a Bug attraction and Tree of Life walkways are closed until further notice.
We will post any further details or photos if they become available. Hopefully there’s nothing majorly wrong with Animal Kingdom’s icon.
Q. I heard one of the branches from the Tree of Life fell. Is this why the area is closed to Guests?
Yes, a small branch (weighing approximately five pounds) fell to the ground, away from Guests and Cast. In an abundance of caution, we are closing some experiences in the immediate vicinity of the Tree of Life as we further inspect it and complete any necessary maintenance.Q. What caused the branch to fall? Was it weather related?
We are still reviewing the situation.Q. What exactly will be closed while we inspect The Tree of Life?
The trails around the Tree of Life will be temporarily closed, as well as the “It’s Tough to be a Bug” attraction and the Kid’s Discovery Club location.Q. When will the experiences around the Tree of Life reopen?
At this time we do not have a reopening date.
