Disney has expanded further on their new role as a short-term rehabilitation center for manatees located at The Seas with Nemo and Friends in EPCOT.
Short-Term Rehabilitation
In a new press release, Disney explains how their facility has transitioned from a long-term care residence for manatees to a short-term rehabilitation center.
Previously, The Seas with Nemo and Friends acted as a facility to hold and care for manatees who were unable to be returned to the wild. Walt Disney World veterinarian Dr. Jen noted, however, that as Disney collaborates with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, their needs shifted to caring for animals that will only stay in EPCOT for a shorter period.
As strandings increase, critical care facilities are becoming overwhelmed, so by shifting our focus, we open up space at The Seas for more of those urgent cases. This helps relieve pressure on overcrowded facilities, supports the MRP’s efforts, and boosts our contribution to manatee conservation, which is what excites me most about shifting from long-term care to short-term rehabilitation.
The Seas will become a facility designed to care for rescued manatees that are being habilitated to return to the wild. As a result, it is expected that the manatee residents visible to guests at EPCOT will now change on a more frequent basis as new animals are moved in and older residents are returned to nature.
The new residents may also include more juvenile manatees than previously, as young manatees are more likely to be returned to the wild instead of being kept in long-term care. Disney’s Animal Health Director Dr. Geoff explained that no manatee is expected to remain at The Seas for longer than six to nine months:
Our role begins once critical and acute care has been completed. At that point, we may receive a stable manatee that simply needs some time to grow or gain weight before being released, typically during the winter months. In other cases, we provide specialized care and expertise to help the manatee recover. The hope is that no manatee remains with us for too long — usually no more than six to nine months. Our goal is to ensure they are healthy and strong enough for a successful release back into the wild during the winter periods.
Some of the many technological advancements located in The Seas include a medical lift floor for veterinarians to perform blood draws and an advanced water system. Animals needing more intensive care can also be moved to the veterinary hospital at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a full CT scan.
Disney states that their work with the MRP and the FWS remains strong and is expected to continue for many years to come.
Manatees at EPCOT
Previously, The Seas with Nemo and Friends was home to two long-term residents: Lil Joe and Inigo. Inigo had moved to EPCOT fairly recently as a replacement for manatee Lou, but Lil Joe lived in EPCOT for several years. The two manatees were suddenly removed from the pavilion in early January 2025, with scrims being erected over the viewing windows.
Shortly after the removal, Disney announced that the two manatees had been relocated to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park following a recommendation by the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services. During that same announcement, Disney revealed The Seas with Nemo and Friends would become a short-term care facility for manatees intended to be released back into the wild.
At the beginning of February, two new manatees named Cider and Mino were revealed to guests visiting EPCOT. Cider was orphaned in 2023 and has an abscess that is currently under observation, while Mino needs to gain more weight before being released back into the wild.
The new manatees can be distinguished by shapes that have been painted on their backs using animal-safe paint. Mino has a large “M” on his back while Cider has a long stripe. The two manatees can be seen now in EPCOT, although they will hopefully return to the wild soon.
Are you excited to see manatees in EPCOT once again? Let us know in the comments.
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