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Mermaid the Manatee Released Back Into the Wild After Rehabilitation at EPCOT’s The Seas
There’s a splash of happy news at EPCOT! After nearly seven months of care at The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Mermaid the manatee has officially been released back into her natural habitat.
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Mermaid arrived at The Seas in March after being rescued from the Homosassa River in February. At the time, she weighed about 525 pounds and had a distinctive split tail that earned her the name “Mermaid.”
Under the care of Disney’s dedicated animal care team, Mermaid steadily regained strength and reached a healthy release weight of over 600 pounds. According to Cast Members, her release took place on October 9, during a time of year when cooler water temperatures can help ensure a smooth transition for manatees returning to the wild.
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Mermaid’s release is part of Disney’s ongoing partnership with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, which works to rescue, rehabilitate, and return injured or orphaned manatees to Florida waters. The Seas has been an active participant in this program for decades, helping more than 30 manatees recover and return to the wild.
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