PHOTOS: Introducing EPCOT’s NEW Manatees — Mino and Cider
Our long national nightmare is over, and manatees have officially returned to The Seas With Nemo & Friends pavilion.
As a quick recap, manatees have been a staple of The Seas pavilion since it opened in 1986. Last month, however, Disney seemingly closed the manatee exhibit, as Lil Joe and Inigo were sent to The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Photo: Disney
At the time, we explained that relocation of the animals was recommended by the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services. The goal is to continue strengthening the manatee population in Florida.
The Seas Will House Manatees For Short-Term Stays
From now on, The Seas pavilion will house rescued manatees for short-term stays. The animals will be monitored before they are released or relocated.
With that in mind, it is my honor to introduce you to Cider and Mino, EPCOT’s newest residents.
Before arriving at The Seas, Cider and Mino completed much of their rehabilitation.
Here is what we know about the pavilion’s new stars.
Introducing Cider
Cider is a female manatee who likes exploring the bottom of the tank and playing in the sand!
Currently, The Seas is monitoring Cider’s abscess, which needs to be completely healed before they release her.
Introducing Mino
Mino is a male manatee who, at 450 pounds, is on the small side. The Seas needs Mino to gain more weight before he can be released.
Mino has a temporary green “M” on his back to help the marine biologists differentiate between the two manatees.
He arrived last Friday from Sea World.
Luckily, Mino loves his lettuce — so much so that he often steals Cider’s lettuce!
More Manatees Will Arrive in the Future
While Mino and Cider now call The Seas pavilion home, it sounds like their stay will be short-lived.
Going forward, however, more manatees are expected to take their place!
