Baby Manatee Soleil Arrives in The Seas Pavilion at EPCOT

A New Face at SeaBase: Baby Manatee “Soleil” Debuts at EPCOT

The nursery at The Seas with Nemo & Friends is getting quite crowded! Hot on the heels of the new seadragons debuting in the pavilion’s nursery, EPCOT has welcomed another adorable resident: a baby manatee named Soleil.

Visitors to SeaBase can now spot the little one exploring her new surroundings, often seen munching on bundles of Romaine lettuce alongside her tank-mates, Tanimura and Cider.

Related-Mermaid the Manatee from Epcot was just Released Back Into the Wild

A Mission of Rehabilitation

While Soleil is certainly a star attraction, she isn’t a permanent resident. Her arrival marks a significant shift for The Seas Pavilion. As shared by Dr. Mark Penning (Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment), the aquarium is now operating as a short-term care facility.

In partnership with the Manatee Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Partnership and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Disney is focusing on rehabilitating injured or orphaned manatees. The ultimate goal for Soleil—and her companions—is a full recovery followed by a return to their natural Florida habitats.

Related-Baby Manatee Tanimura Makes her Debut in EPCOT

The Growing “Manatee Family” at The Seas

Soleil joins a small group of manatees currently undergoing care at EPCOT:

• Tanimura: Another orphan who arrived in June 2025. Like Soleil, she is expected to be released once she reaches the necessary health and weight milestones.
• Cider: A veteran of the tank who helps the younger manatees acclimate to the environment.
• Success Story: Just this past October 2025, a manatee named Mermaid was successfully released back into the wild after seven months of recovery at The Seas, proving the vital importance of this rehabilitation program.

How to Visit Soleil

If you want to catch a glimpse of the newest member of the SeaBase family, head over to the manatee viewing area. You can watch Soleil swimming and eating from two different perspectives:

1. Level 1: Offers an underwater view to see her gliding through the water.
2. Level 2: Perfect for watching the manatees surface and snack on their greens.

The manatee exhibit remains one of the most tranquil and educational spots in the park, offering a direct look at the conservation efforts Disney supports behind the scenes.

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