Disney Finally Comments on Removal of Beloved EPCOT Characters

Each of Disney’s four theme parks has its own theme that makes it completely unique and loved by guests. The Magic Kingdom represents that quintessential Disney magic, of course, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings guests into the heart of some of Disney’s most popular franchises, including Toy Story and Star Wars.

Animal Kingdom is all about conservation and teaching guests about a variety of animals and how we can work to save their dwindling populations. Then, there is EPCOT, a place where people can go to learn about different cultures, taste foods from around the world, and look at the possibilities the future could hold.

The image shows a picturesque area featuring tall wooden totem poles and intricate carvings on a wooden structure, reminiscent of a forgotten park. In the background, there's a castle-like stone building under a partly cloudy sky, with trees flanking the sides. A few people are seen walking in the distance. — Credit: Disney

Last week, it was reported that Disney had removed two of its manatees from The Seas With Nemo & Friends. Inigo and Lil Joe were loved by fans, who constantly flocked to the World Nature Pavilion to watch the two float their days away, enjoying snacks like lettuce.

Fans were devastated when they noticed that the manatee area was blocked off by ropes and curtains had been hung in front of the glass. They were even more upset when they learned that they would not be able to enjoy their time with Inigo and Lil Joe anymore.

Inigo and Lil Joe were first paired in September 2024, but it took them some time to get used to each other.

Inigo the manatee has arrived at EPCOT! He’s still getting used to his new home and is very shy. Lil’ Joe is trying to interact with him, but Inigo isn’t interested yet. 🥲

Inigo the manatee has arrived at EPCOT! He’s still getting used to his new home and is very shy. Lil’ Joe is trying to interact with him, but Inigo isn’t interested yet. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/Ly89J3pHZY

— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) September 23, 2024

Now, nearly one week later, we have some answers, courtesy of Disney and The Orlando Sentinel.

In the wild, animals are thought to live between 50 and 60 years and can live up to 65 years in captivity. Lil Joe was first covered by the Orlando Sentinel when he was discovered as an orphan near Daytona Beach in 1989. He was moved to a rehabilitation center at SeaWorld Orlando, but that was not his last stop over the years before he was brought to EPCOT.

Lil Joe was also a beloved part of SeaWorld San Diego, Cincinnati Zoo, and Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa.

Lil Joe SeaWorld Rescue — Credit: WESH2 News Report

When animals like Lil Joe are rescued, the plan is typically to return them to the wild. Sadly, each time they tried with Lil Joe, he was unable to adapt to his new environment.

Due to environmental changes, more manatees are getting sick and dying, and places like Disney are working harder than ever to rehabilitate and release more manatees into the wild in an attempt to drive up population numbers.

That is why Disney is moving Lil Joe and Inigo to a long-term home at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park near Fort Walton Beach in the Florida Panhandle.

An aquarium exhibit at EPCOT features multiple tanks at the Seas with Nemo and Friends — Credit: Disney

Even though Disney fans might be disappointed in the removal of Lil Joe and Inigo, their tanks won’t be empty for long.

According to Steve Soares, a Disney World Entertainment Host, new manatees will be arriving in the near future.

The two manatees, Lil’ Joe & Inigo have been moved from the Living Seas at Epcot to a new facility. There will be new manatees arriving. The Seas will focus on short-term rehabs and returning them to the wild.

We do not have a date for the new manatees’ arrival, but Inside The Magic will keep readers updated when we find out!

Did you enjoy watching Lil Joe and Inigo in the manatee exhibit? Are you sad to see them go? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!