A new sea mammal has made her way to The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT! Meet Mermaid, the newest manatee to join the beloved aquatic exhibit at Walt Disney World Resort. Weighing in at around 525 pounds, Mermaid’s arrival has been met with excitement from Disney fans. She joins the ranks of the attraction’s diverse marine life collection, though her journey to EPCOT is a unique one.
Mermaid was rescued and is currently being cared for by Disney’s animal care team at EPCOT. She was found in a weakened condition, and now, her rehabilitation is underway. Disney’s team is committed to helping her regain strength and weight with the goal of eventually releasing her back into the wild.
Mermaid’s Care at EPCOT: A Temporary Home for Healing
For now, Mermaid will be housed in The Seas with Nemo & Friends’ spacious aquatic exhibits. Disney’s animal care specialists are providing her with the best possible care, including a specialized diet and ample opportunities to swim and rest in a controlled environment that mimics natural conditions. The team is closely monitoring her recovery process, ensuring she regains the strength necessary to live in the wild once again.
Mermaid’s presence at EPCOT serves as an important reminder of Disney’s commitment to marine life conservation. As visitors explore the interactive exhibits and educational displays at The Seas with Nemo & Friends, they can learn about manatees and their role in the ecosystem. Guests can watch as Disney works to rehabilitate Mermaid and learn more about the challenges these gentle creatures face in the wild, including habitat loss and human impact on marine environments.
A Time of Change at EPCOT: The Removal of Other Manatees
Mermaid’s arrival comes at a time of notable transition for The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Just two months ago, Disney removed its other two manatees from the exhibit, which sparked an online conversation among fans. For many, the removal of these beloved animals raised questions about the future of manatees at EPCOT.
Some fans expressed concern that the removal of the two manatees might signal a move away from having these animals in the exhibit altogether. On social media platforms, Disney enthusiasts voiced their opinions, wondering whether the shift was part of a broader change in EPCOT’s approach to wildlife exhibits.
However, Disney has reassured guests that the decision to remove the two manatees was made in consideration of their specific needs. According to Disney, the animals were moved to other facilities where they could receive the care and attention required for their well-being. In contrast, Mermaid’s rehabilitation at EPCOT has been an exciting opportunity to engage the public in manatee conservation efforts and provide a platform for education about these vulnerable creatures.
The Future of Manatees at Disney and Conservation Efforts
Despite the removal of the two manatees, Disney’s involvement in manatee rescue and rehabilitation remains strong. Through collaborations with organizations like The Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, Disney continues to support efforts to protect and rehabilitate manatees in Florida and beyond. While the removal of the previous manatees raised concerns, Mermaid’s arrival highlights Disney’s ongoing commitment to marine life conservation and its dedication to preserving these incredible creatures for future generations.
For now, Disney fans can rest assured that while the landscape of The Seas with Nemo & Friends may be shifting, the love and care for manatees like Mermaid remains strong. As her rehabilitation progresses, fans will have the opportunity to see firsthand how Disney’s animal care team is working to ensure that Mermaid and other rescued manatees can thrive in the wild once more.
As Mermaid gets stronger each day, guests at EPCOT can celebrate her recovery and learn about the importance of preserving marine life, all while enjoying the beauty and wonder of the seas in the heart of Walt Disney World.
