Walt Disney World is bidding farewell to three of its most popular residents this week as all three male dolphins who call Epcot’s Seas Pavilion their home will be relocated.
A promotional image for The Seas with Nemo & Friends via Disney World website
“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,” a memo issued by Disney in September 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 company stated.
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According to Disney, the decision to relocate these sea mammals “came after a comprehensive evaluation as to what is best for these dolphins as infrastructure work progresses at The Seas.
They also stated that the information was determined with “extraordinary care from our team” to make certain that “these three male dolphins have thrived and led long lives and we will continue to be a resource while they receive the best possible care after they are moved.”
A promotional image for The Seas with Nemo & Friends via Disney World website
Dolphins have had a presence in Epcot for decades, long before The Living Seas attraction was given a makeover into The Seas With Nemo and Friends nearly 20 years ago. They were the centerpiece of the Dolphins in Depth tour, a backstage experience that allowed guests to learn about the care of these creatures, witness a training session, and even wade into the water to have their picture taken alongside one.
The final Dolphins in Depth tour took place this past weekend on October 19th as the dolphins prep for their journey to Gulfarium.
Dolphins at The Seas with Nemo & Friends via ACG Travel Videos YouTube
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Many fans will remember that the Epcot dolphins were prominently featured in an episode of the ABC sitcom Boy Meets World, in which the character of Corey Matthews, played by Ben Savage, bonds with one of the dolphins in a backstage area.
Disney also recently relocated Lou, one of the facility’s two manatees, to a new home in a Sarasota facility. However, Lou was replaced by a new manatee named Inigo. Disney currently has no plans to replace its three male dolphins or bring back the tour.
A promotional image for The Seas with Nemo & Friends via Disney World website
Visitors to central Florida can still see dolphins at Sea World Orlando where they perform in daily shows. There’s also a large dolphin viewing area and a paid dolphin experience where guests can get close to these animals, get some information, and witness a trainer feeding them. This was, at one time, a “feed the dolphins” experience where guests could feed fish to these creatures by hand, but that has since been discontinued.
Dolphins are also featured prominently at the nearby Discovery Cove, which offers an experience that lets guests swim with the dolphins at a hefty premium price.
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