One of Disney’s Sea Base Aquarium’s manatees (named Lou) has already been relocated to another manatee relocation center, and the three male dolphins are scheduled to move to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, in late October.
Both moves are part of a comprehensive plan to help these animals continue to thrive. The remaining manatee (Lil Joe) at the Sea Base Aquarium will soon have a new companion come and stay with him but there are no current plans for replacing the dolphins. The two-hour backstage tour “Dolphins in Depth,” will continue to be offered while the dolphins are still at the aquarium with an expected end date of October 19.
“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 wrote in Cast Member memo.
Are you sad to see Lou the Manatee and the three Dolphins leave the Aquarium?