NEWS: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Performer Stephen Mikes Has Passed Away

We have recently learned some sad news from Disney World.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to many beautiful sights and sounds. From birds chirping to monkeys howling, you can hear all the sounds of nature as they come together into the heartbeat of the park. All around the park, the sounds of animals and the crowds can be mixed in with the delightful music of street performers from across the lands. Sadly, we have recently heard that one sound may never be the same.

Stephan Mikes passed away on October 22nd, 2023, according to his wife’s Facebook post. He was 69.

Who was Stephan Mikes? He was commonly known as Chakranadi inside Animal Kingdom and could frequently be seen playing his sitar at Anandapur in Asia.

Chakranadi

The beautiful sounds filled the area and could be mesmerizing to listen to. Sadly, it just won’t be the same walking through this part of the park. 

Chakranadi

His wife left an endearing tribute post to Stephan with beautiful images– just as she wants to remember him.

via Bonnie Mikes Facebook

We’re deeply saddened to know the heartbeat of sounds through Animal Kingdom will never be the same again without Chakranadi’s (Stephan’s) sitar music. As you walk through Asia in Animal Kingdom, be sure to take an extra moment to remember Stephan.

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Do you remember hearing the sounds of Chakranadi’s sitar? Let us know in the comments.

The post NEWS: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Performer Stephen Mikes Has Passed Away first appeared on the disney food blog.