Epcot at Walt Disney World is removing all live dolphins from its Finding Nemo-themed attraction to ‘prioritise the wellbeing’ of the marine animals.
In a memo sent to cast members, Disney said it will relocate three dolphins from ‘The Seas with Nemo & Friends’ at Epcot, a ride and aquarium inspired by Pixar’s Finding Nemo 2003. The animals will be moved in late October to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Florida.
“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 said.
“We are planning to permanently relocate three dolphins in late October to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Florida, which is accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums and the International Marine Animals Trainer’s Association. The facility is led by a marine mammal expert who cared for the dolphins for years at The Seas.”
The decision to move the cetaceans “came after a comprehensive evaluation as to what is best for these dolphins as infrastructure work progresses at The Seas”, Disney added.
In addition, Epcot’s famous manatee Lou will relocate to a different rehabilitation centre on 11 September. Manatee Lil’ Joe will be joined by another manatee at The Seas With Nemo & Friends.
Epcot to move manatee Lou
“While we will greatly miss Lou, we do look forward to aiding this other manatee in the next stage of rehabilitation as we continue to do our part in addressing the manatee crisis in Florida, which has seen declining manatee populations in the past few years,” Disney said.
“Our commitment to conservation and care for animals remains at the core of what we do, and the cast members who care for these marine mammals and other sea life will remain at The Seas continuing to focus on key species and conservation initiatives represented in the pavilion.”
In recent years, companies like Thomas Cook, Tripadvisor, British Airways and Expedia have cut ties with attractions with captive dolphins, whales and orcas.
Images courtesy of Disney
