Thirty-one animals died at Disney's Animal Kingdom in the months before the park's opening, more than the 12 previously reported, according to records from the federal agency that cleared Disney of wrongdoing.

The documents, obtained Wednesday under the federal Freedom of Information Act, show that the 31 animals died at the theme park from September through April because of accidents, poisonings, fighting and other causes.

Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture cleared Disney of wrongdoing, the inspectors cited a possible "error in professional judgment" for causing the deaths of two Oriental small-clawed otters. But inspectors concluded the error did not violate federal animal-welfare laws.

The animal-care staff had approved planting loquat trees in the otter exhibit and had known the animals were eating the fruit. Not until two otters died during four days in March did the staff realize that the otters also were chewing the seeds, which are poisonous.

The 24 pages of documents come three weeks after USDA inspectors closed their investigation of Disney's Animal Kingdom, which opened April 22 with 1,000 animals. Inspectors interviewed a dozen people, spent five days at the park and reviewed hundreds of pages of animal-care records.

"The number of these deaths is still very small compared to the number of animals in the park and mortality in the wild," said Disney spokeswoman Diane Ledder.

The USDA records reveal that Disney posted round-the-clock security guards at the park's animal compounds after four cheetah cubs died from ingesting a toxic chemical. The guards now carefully check identification badges, which are given only to employees who work in the animal areas.

Three of the 4-month-old cubs died within a week of their arrival in December, and the fourth was euthanized because of the poor prognosis for recovery.

Disney officials said they could not determine how the cubs were exposed to ethylene glycol, an ingredient in antifreeze and paint thinner. Nor could USDA inspectors find the cause.

"Deliberate poisoning cannot be totally ruled out," wrote Robert Brandes, a veterinarian and USDA inspector.

Among the deaths were those of nine herd animals - such as gazelles, kudus and antelopes - that were injured during fights, entangled in fences while trying to escape or possibly kicked by an ostrich. A dik-dik, a small type of antelope, died during surgery, according to the USDA records.

Two rhinoceroses, a hippopotamus, two mole rats, two litters of baby chinchilla rabbits and a guinea hog also died. Among the most publicized deaths were those of two West African crowned cranes that were run over on two occasions by the park's safari vehicles.

The USDA is not responsible for protecting those birds and did not include them in its investigation. But USDA inspectors said the drivers could not see the birds. The vehicles travel at only 3 to 5 mph, and Disney has placed more mirrors on them to prevent blind spots, along with relocating the remaining birds.

News of the deaths angered animal-rights activists, who protested outside Animal Kingdom on opening day and have accused Disney of abusing and exploiting animals.

"These are not natural deaths," said Joe Taksel, managing director of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida. "We may be asking for a re-investigation."

Taksel also accused Disney of being less than forthcoming in originally confirming only 12 deaths since September.

"I think they should have come forward with all of this," he said.

Ledder responded, "It's impractical for us to call the media for every animal death."