Disney’s Role in Florida Manatee Rehabilitation and Conservation
Changes are coming to The Seas with Nemo & Friends manatee exhibit at EPCOT.
Through its collaboration with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Disney is transitioning from a long-term permanent manatee care residency to short-term acute critical care. The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT is one of several facilities participating in the (MRP), a cooperative initiative focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing manatees back into the wild. This change aligns with ongoing statewide efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and MRP to stabilize and support the Florida manatee population, ensuring these incredible animals receive the care they need to thrive.
Beyond medical care, The Seas with Nemo & Friends also boasts an advanced water system, expertly managed by Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment’s Water Sciences team. This group of divers and chemists ensures the highest water quality, essential for the health and well-being of the animals living at Walt Disney World Resort.
Photo Credit: Landon McReynolds/ Walt Disney World Resort
At The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Disney has created an optimal environment for manatee rehabilitation. The facility is equipped with several specialized features to aid in the rehabilitation process, including a medical lift floor that allows the animal health team to perform blood draws and radiographs, when needed. There’s also an on-site veterinary hospital at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which is equipped with a CT machine that plays a crucial role in manatee care. In some cases, this technology is shared with other MPR partners who may need additional
support.
Looking to the future, Disney’s work with the MRP and the FWS remains strong – ensuring future manatees receive the best care possible before being released back into the wild. Guests visiting The Seas with Nemo & Friends will likely see new faces more frequently, including more young juvenile manatees who need care.
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Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83