A Tiny New Arrival is Making Waves at EPCOT! Get ready to welcome a new, adorable resident to The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at EPCOT! Following the exciting debut of seadragons, a precious baby manatee named Soleil has joined the aquatic family. It's a heartwarming moment for animal lovers and a testament to ongoing conservation efforts.
We've had our very first glimpse of little Soleil as she gracefully glides through her new home, playfully nibbling on Romaine lettuce alongside her tank mates, Tanimura and Cider. Imagine the joy of seeing this little one explore her surroundings! This wonderful news was also shared by Dr. Mark Penning, also known as drmarkatdisney on social media, who consistently keeps us updated on the incredible animals under Disney's care.
Dr. Mark introduced Soleil with a touching message: "Meet Soleil — a young, female orphaned manatee who comes to us in need of short-term care. 💙 She has now joined Cider & Tanimura at The Seas with Nemo & Friends, where she’ll be treated to world-class animal care. 🩺" This initiative is a significant part of Disney's commitment to collaborating with the Manatee Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Partnership and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to aid in the recovery and protection of these gentle giants.
But here's where it gets particularly inspiring: Soleil isn't a permanent resident. As Dr. Mark clarified, The Seas pavilion is now serving as a vital short-term care facility. This means they are actively working with these crucial partners to rehabilitate injured or orphaned manatees with the ultimate goal of returning them safely to the wild. It’s a beautiful cycle of care and release.
This isn't the first time The Seas has opened its doors to a young manatee in need. We recall the arrival of Tanimura in June 2025, another orphan who is still thriving in the aquarium and is also a candidate for eventual release. And in a truly triumphant moment, Mermaid, a manatee who recovered at The Seas, was successfully released back into her natural habitat in October 2025 after seven months of dedicated care.
And this is the part most people miss: You can currently witness Soleil's progress firsthand! She's swimming and interacting with Tanimura and Cider in their captivating tank, visible from either the first or second level of SeaBase Aquarium within The Seas. It's an incredible opportunity to see conservation in action.
Now, let's talk about it: Do you find yourself drawn to the manatees whenever you visit EPCOT? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Share your agreement or any differing perspectives with us on social media. What do you think about the role of theme parks in animal rehabilitation? Let the conversation begin!
