Manatees Have Been Removed From EPCOT

If you were a fan of the manatees at The Seas in EPCOT, I have some bittersweet news for you. As of now there are no manatees there. They are safe, but they have been moved to other locations.

Where did they go?

It seems that the two manatees left at The Seas, Lil’ Joe and Inigo, have been sent to two long-term facilities. It is unclear which one went where, but one was sent to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the other went to the Mote Marine Laboratory.

Why were they moved?

They were moved because it was recommended they be sent to other facilities “as part of a broader set of manatee moves around the state under the recommendation of the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services.”

EPCOT is meant to be a short-term rehabilitation stop.

Last September, Lou, and three male dolphins were sent to another facility, and Inigo was brought in.

What happens now?

Currently, the manatee area is curtained off at The Seas. WDWNT posted this on X.com.

BREAKING: Manatees Removed From The Seas at EPCOThttps://t.co/kI9BJaEI8U

— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) January 14, 2025

Don’t worry. More manatees will likely be brought in later. I would rather they not come in because the ones that do are injured or orphaned. Sadly, I’m sure more will come, but at least they have a fantastic place to go for help.

I’m sure that Lou, Lil’ Joe, and Inigo will likely be happier at a larger facility.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!

Hat tip: WDWNT