Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends attraction announced a major change earlier this week that has stirred both sadness and celebration among fans and animal rights activists alike.
Disney confirmed on Tuesday that several well-known manatees from the EPCOT aquarium are being relocated to new homes and facilities across Florida, marking a significant shift in the attraction’s marine exhibits.
Lou, one of the most beloved manatees, has already left his home at EPCOT, leaving behind only Lil Joe, an orphaned manatee, in the tank. While many animal rights activists support this change, others are heartbroken by the image of Lil Joe swimming all alone.
Related: Disney World Taken to Task by Animal Protection Groups for Treatment of Beloved Performers
Lil Joe Is on His Own Once Again
This move by Disney comes as part of a broader initiative driven by recommendations from the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services. The decision to relocate these marine animals reflects ongoing efforts to enhance their well-being and align with updated conservation and animal welfare guidelines, specifically with the vulnerable manatee population.
The announcement has elicited a wave of responses on social media, with fans expressing their sorrow over the departure of the manatees who had become integral to the attraction’s charm.
Meanwhile, animal rights activists are hailing the move as a progressive step towards ending marine animal entertainment at theme parks. In the past, Disney has been a target of activist groups like PETA, which hope to see the end of captive animal entertainment.
They argue that relocating these animals to specialized facilities is a more humane option that better supports their natural behaviors and health. Disney has already begun making these changes, and Lou has already left the tank. Disney shared that relocations like this happen often with manatees, saying:
“Most manatees at The Seas Pavilion are here for a temporary stay. They’re carefully monitored and expertly cared for—with the goal of being returned to the wild after an appropriate amount of rest, recovery and rehabilitation.
Here’s an inside look at the lives of these manatees:
Prepped for Takeoff: To ensure that the natural instincts of visiting manatees remain intact for their eventual release, manatee training is minimal. The training they do receive allows them to participate in their own recovery and makes it easier for Disney animal care experts to monitor each manatee’s progress.
Keeping Track: Even after they are released, these mighty mammals are carefully tracked and monitored to ensure that they are migrating and socializing as they should be.
“Lettuce” Eat: The manatees at The Seas Pavilion enjoy the same high-quality produce that’s served to our Guests! They eat nearly 100 heads of lettuce a day—a food that’s similar to the floating plants they consume in the wild. While this lettuce offers all the nutrients they need, additional foods like carrot, apple and sweet potato are incorporated into their diet as a form of enrichment.”
What Is Next for Disney’s Manatees?
Now that Lou is gone, Lil Joe is left swimming all alone, a sight that is sad for lovers of these animals. Manatees are considered semi-social animals, meaning that many of them choose to travel in packs with others.
All by himself :.(
All by himself 😢 pic.twitter.com/WQCrSbOnDz
— Belle (@FiBelleFi) September 12, 2024
Disney claims that another manatee is set to join Lil Joe soon. For now, fans will continue to debate whether or not Disney made the right choice. The full statement said:
“For decades, Walt Disney World has provided extraordinary care for thousands of fish and marine mammals – including dolphins and manatees that have served as ambassadors for their species, inspiring us about marine mammals and aiding in conservation and research efforts. As we look to the future of The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, we are making some changes that require careful thought, prioritizing the wellbeing of these sensitive marine mammals.”
Disney’s decision aligns with a growing trend in wildlife conservation and reflects a commitment to meeting evolving standards for animal care. As the manatees transition to their new environments, the focus now shifts to ensuring Lil Joe’s continued health and adapting to the EPCOT changes.