The manatee exhibit at The [Living] Seas pavilion is always a must-do when visiting EPCOT‘s very own aquarium. Following the relocation of longtime Seas manatee residents, Disney has shifted to short-term care for the gentle giant underwater mammals, and they recently shared more information on this important change.
Through its partnership with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Disney plays a crucial role in manatee rehabilitation. As part of this collaboration, The Seas will now house manatees for shorter periods, typically for 6 to 9 months, assisting with their recovery before they move on to the next stage of care. 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.
Between 2020 and 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) declared an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) after more than 2,000 manatee deaths were recorded in Florida. One major reason was the dramatic decline in the manatees’ natural seagrass habitat, which serves as their main food source. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, the mortality 2024 numbers improved — but more manatees calves died, with more than half of those recorded in Brevard County’s Indian River Lagoon.
“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.” – Dr. Jen, veterarian at Walt Disney World.
“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,” explained Dr. Geoff, Disney’s Animal Health Director. “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.”
Looking ahead, Disney’s partnership with the MRP and FWS remains strong, ensuring that future manatees receive the highest quality care before being returned to the wild. Visitors to EPCOT’s The Seas can expect to see new faces more often, including an increase in juvenile manatees especially in need of care. Are you excited to see manatees once again at EPCOT?
