A new manatee has moved into The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT as part of their short-term rehabilitation efforts.
Mermaid Moves Into The Seas
Dr. Mark Penning, VP of Disney’s Animal, Science and Environment, announced the manatee’s arrival on Instagram. The new manatee is named Mermaid and weighs approximately 525 pounds. She was rescued in February from the Homosassa River north of Tampa, needing critical care. Through their collaboration with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, Disney’s animal care team is working to help Mermaid regain her strength and weight before she eventually returns to the wild.
“As a leader in wildlife conservation,” Dr. Penning said, “we are honored and look forward to aiding Mermaid, and other manatees in the next stage of rehabilitation, as we continue to do our part in addressing the manatee crisis in Florida.”
The Seas recently transitioned from a long-term care residence to a short-term rehabilitation facility. In the fall of 2024, manatee resident Lou, as well as three dolphins, were relocated. The manatee Inigo moved in soon after, but he and long-term resident Lil Joe moved to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in January. They were replaced by Cider and Mino.
With the switch to short-term rehab, guests will see different manatees move in and out of The Seas often.
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