The Seas Pavilion Celebrates Shark Ray Day By Shining a Spotlight on Apollo the Bowmouth Guitarfish
If you’ve been reading along here at MickeyBlog, you know that Disney is currently celebrating 40 years of The Seas with Nemo & Friends.
Throughout January, Disney has been shining a spotlight on the beloved pavilion, celebrating its history, its role in conservation efforts, and the incredible animals that call it home.
Previously, we brought you updates on fun facts about the pavilion and introduced you to the adorable new baby seadragons living at The Seas with Nemo & Friends.
Photo: Disney
Now, we’re back with another exciting update.
Welcome to Shark Ray Day
In case you haven’t heard, January 28, 2026, marks the first-ever Shark Ray Day.
To commemorate the occasion, aquariums around the world are shining a spotlight on shark rays and the important role they play in ocean ecosystems.
Photo: Reddit
Naturally, EPCOT’s Seas pavilion had to get in on the fun.
Shark Ray Fun-Facts
To celebrate the inaugural Shark Ray Day, Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, took to Instagram to share some fascinating facts about shark rays.
View this post on Instagram
Did you know the shark ray gets its name because its body resembles a ray, while its fins look more like those of a shark?
Because their gills are located underneath their bodies, shark rays are officially classified as rays.
The animal highlighted by Dr. Penning is actually an endangered bowmouth guitarfish, named for its distinctive body shape.
Introducing Apollo
At EPCOT, guests can meet Apollo, the pavilion’s resident bowmouth guitarfish.
Recently, Apollo even received his routine wellness exam.
If you’d like to see him for yourself, head over to the SeaBase Aquarium.
You can spot Apollo from the undersea viewing area on level two.
As always, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all the news coming out of Walt Disney World.
Photo: MickeyBlog
