Support Disney’s Compassionate Move to Relocate EPCOT’s Dolphins and Manatee
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Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Disney’s relocation of EPCOT’s dolphins and manatee is vital for their well-being—help support this critical, compassionate decision.
Disney’s decision to relocate Lou the manatee and three dolphins from EPCOT’s The Seas Pavilion is a necessary step in ensuring the well-being of these beloved animals. This move, which follows recommendations from the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, guarantees that Lou and the dolphins will receive care in environments specifically designed for their needs1.
Florida’s Manatee Crisis Demands Action
Florida’s manatee population is at a critical juncture. Environmental challenges have caused dramatic declines in their numbers, making Lou’s relocation to a specialized rehabilitation center part of a broader conservation effort to help save this species2. By transferring him to a facility equipped to handle his rehabilitation, Disney is contributing to the long-term survival of manatees.
Why the Dolphins Deserve a Better Future
The dolphins, who have called EPCOT home for years, will also benefit from relocation. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park offers more space and a specialized environment for their long-term health and well-being3. Dolphins need enriching habitats, and this move aligns with modern animal welfare standards. It’s a critical step toward evolving how we care for marine mammals in captivity, reflecting a growing understanding of their needs4.
A Vital Change for Long-Term Animal Welfare
Disney has cared for dolphins since 1986, but with infrastructure work underway, it’s time to ensure the long-term well-being of these animals3. Disney’s decision to relocate them reflects a dedication to conservation and collaboration with leading marine organizations to ensure the dolphins and Lou the manatee can thrive in their new homes.
Supporting the Survival of Florida’s Marine Life
For Lou, this relocation is about survival. Florida’s manatees are in serious danger, and every action counts. By moving Lou to a facility designed to support his rehabilitation, Disney is playing a key role in manatee conservation.
This decision is not about attraction value—it’s about doing what’s right for the animals. Disney’s bold choice sets a vital precedent in how we care for marine life in captivity, ensuring that their well-being is always prioritized. Lou and the dolphins deserve the best possible care, and Disney’s actions show a commitment to their long-term survival.
Now is the time to act. Show your support for Disney’s decision by calling on the Governor of Florida and the Director of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services to ensure this move is upheld. Together, we can help secure a brighter future for Florida’s marine life.
- Josh Frigerio and Stephanie Buffamonte, FOX 35 Orlando (10 September 2024), "Disney EPCOT Manatees, Dolphins Relocating."
- Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel (11 September 2024), "Disney: Epcot Relocating 1 Manatee, 3 Dolphins from The Seas."
- Tom Bricker, Disney Tourist Blog, "Sweeping Changes to Seas Pavilion at EPCOT."
- Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly (10 September 2024), "Disney World Removing All Live Dolphins from Epcot’s Finding Nemo Attraction."
The Petition:
To the Governor of Florida and the Director of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services,
We, the undersigned, support Disney’s responsible decision to relocate Lou the manatee and three dolphins from EPCOT’s The Seas Pavilion to facilities that are better equipped to care for their specific needs. This move demonstrates a strong commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and the long-term health of these marine mammals.
Marine animals like dolphins and manatees deserve environments that reflect their natural habitats. Disney’s decision to relocate these animals to more suitable facilities ensures that Lou and the dolphins will continue to thrive in environments designed specifically for their needs. This relocation aligns with expert recommendations and reinforces Disney’s role as a leader in ethical animal care and conservation efforts.
As Florida’s manatee population faces severe environmental threats, Lou’s transfer to a rehabilitation center is an urgent and necessary step to protect this vulnerable species. By placing Lou in a facility focused on rehabilitation, Disney is playing a key role in manatee conservation, contributing to the broader efforts to save this endangered species.
While Disney’s actions are commendable, they highlight the need for similar efforts across Florida’s zoos and marine parks. Many facilities in the state continue to hold marine life in environments that may not meet the evolving standards of care necessary for these animals to thrive. We call on all parks and zoos in Florida to assess the habitats of their marine life and take similar steps to relocate animals that may be at risk or are in need of more suitable environments.
This petition supports Disney’s thoughtful relocation of Lou the manatee and the dolphins, while urging broader action to protect other marine species across Florida. It’s time for all institutions to prioritize the long-term welfare of these magnificent creatures and take bold steps to ensure their future.
We urge you to support Disney’s decision and encourage all marine parks and zoos in Florida to follow suit in reassessing the care of their marine life. Together, we can set a new standard for compassionate care, conservation, and the protection of marine species throughout the state.
Sincerely,
