WDW: Rescued Manatee Arrives at Epcot

A manatee that was rescued many years ago is now calling Epcot "home." Get acquainted with Lil Joe:

The Seas with Nemo & Friends is now home to Lil Joe, a manatee who was first rescued in 1989 as an orphaned calf in Volusia County, Florida. Lil Joe joins Lou, another rescued manatee at The Seas. Guests can see Lil Joe and Lou when they visit The Seas with Nemo & Friends.

Walt Disney World Resort participates in the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership, which monitors the health and survival of manatees and determines which facility will care for rescued manatees.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a designated rehabilitation site for rescued manatees and serves as a temporary home until the manatee is well enough to return to its habitat. The Seas participates in the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other facilities and conservation groups.

Manatees are considered an endangered species in Florida and Disney is very proud to play a role in their rehabilitation. Disney Guests also play an important role through their contributions to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, which provides funding for programs that protect manatees and other wildlife in Florida and around the world.

The Animal Programs team at The Seas with Nemo & Friends is dedicated to caring for our manatees and all the animals under our care. The team works to protect marine mammals and oceans--and other wildlife and wild places around the world. They are committed to ensuring excellence in animal care, nutrition and welfare through an integrated approach that includes a veterinary hospital, scientific laboratories, a nutrition center and a 24-hour control center for analysis of water quality in all habitats.

Make sure to head over The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot to visit these beautiful animals and more!