Disney by Mark

If you are planning a Disney Vacation, you have to contact Mouseketrips and find out how they can help you have a much better trip for less money.

Find Out More

BREAKING: Manatees Removed From The Seas at EPCOT

BREAKING: Manatees Removed From The Seas at EPCOT

The two resident manatees of The Seas With Nemo & Friends at EPCOT have moved out.

Manatees Gone from The Seas

wdw epcot the seas construction 3808

The manatee viewing area on the first floor of the SeaBase Aquarium is blocked by blue curtains and rope.

The dimly lit hallway, reminiscent of EPCOT's futuristic design, features blue lighting and exhibit displays on the walls; a bright EXIT sign hovers above an open doorway, inviting you to explore further.

The second-floor viewing area is also blocked by rope, although we could still see inside. According to Cast Members, manatees Lil Joe and Inigo have been relocated to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the Mote Marine Laboratory.

A manatee swims underwater in a clear tank, facing the camera with its front flippers slightly spread apart.

Lil Joe was a long-time resident of EPCOT, but Inigo had only moved to the park in September. This was soon after manatee Lou moved out “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. (via Orlando Sentinel) Three male dolphins were also relocated to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

Lil Joe and Inigo’s move seems to have been recommended by the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services. A Cast Member said The Seas is designed as a short-term facility and the manatees needed to move to a long-term facility.

A corridor in an indoor area at EPCOT features blue construction walls blocking one side. Signs adorn the walls under the overhead lighting, creating a pathway reminiscent of exploring hidden wonders, almost as if leading you to a sanctuary for manatees beneath the sea.
A blue corridor reminiscent of EPCOT leads to a closed door with a sign above indicating a restroom. The hallway, softly lit with overhead lights, evokes an atmosphere where dreams and reality gently blend.
A dimly lit hallway in EPCOT features construction barriers, painted blue, partially obstructing the area. A sign is visible on the barriers. Two people walk nearby, their whispers echoing as if discussing the recently removed attractions.

There are also construction walls up in The Seas as the escalator is closed for refurbishment. Dive Quest is also closed due to construction in the tanks.

A dimly lit aquarium hallway at EPCOT features large, illuminated fish tanks on one side. A child in a gray hoodie walks by, gazing curiously at the graceful manatees, while other visitors explore the exhibits in the background.
Underwater scene showing a submerged structure with rectangular windows, aquatic surroundings, and a scuba diver in the distance near coral formations, evoking the aquatic wonders akin to EPCOT's marine displays.

Cast Members said they are hoping to expand the walkways through the tanks to better accommodate scooters. Divers have been practicing for emergency situations for guests with disabilites.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post BREAKING: Manatees Removed From The Seas at EPCOT appeared first on WDW News Today.

Important Disney Dates Simplified – Get a list of all of your important dates for your upcoming Disney vacation so you don’t miss a thing.