Disney Shares News About New Plan for Manatees Exhibit

New manatees have moved into the The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion at EPCOT. Disney has now shared more information about the new plan for the manatees’ exhibit.

New Manatees Move In

Previously, Little Joe and Inigo called the SeaBase their long-term home. However, they have been relocated to new long-term homes at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Mote Marine Laboratory. You can read more about that HERE.

Recently, four new manatees arrived at EPCOT!

Four manatees are now calling EPCOT home. It was previously speculated that Disney was moving to become a short-term rehabilitation facility versus a long-term home for the manatees.

Threats to Manatees

Manatees, also known as “sea cows” face many threats in the wild. These include habitat loss from red tide, loss of vegetation and even watercraft accidents.

More than 2,000 manatee deaths were logged in Florida between 2020 and 2022, causing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to declare an Unusual Mortality Event!

One of the biggest causes of the deaths was the reduction in the manatees’ main food source, natural seagrass. Fortunately, the numbers improved in 2024, but more manatee calves died.

Disney’s Statement

Disney has stated that they are shifting focus from a long-term facility to short-term critical care. Dr Jen, a veterinarian at Walt Disney World, stated, “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 plan is that Manatees should only remain at Disney for six to nine months. This will have Disney guests seeing many, and even young, manatees.

Disney has made itself the best environment for manatee rehab! They have tools that will specialize in the rehab process. Items like a medical lift floor (allowing the animal health team to perform radiographs and blood draws), and don’t forget about the veterinary hospital at Animal Kingdom. Here they have a CT machine that plays an important part in the animals’ care.

Just like Disney, we all hope to see these manatees thrive when released back into the wild!

What do you think of Disney shifting to a short-term facility for the manatees? Are you excited to see Disney’s efforts? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share this post with your friends!