Three dolphins from Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park will soon call the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park their new home, according to a Cast Member communications memo that Disney sent on Tuesday, September 10.
- The relocation, planned for late October, comes as part of a broader initiative to address infrastructure changes at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion.
The decision to move the dolphins was made after a comprehensive evaluation of what would be best for the animals as infrastructure work progresses at The Seas. The Gulfarium, accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums and the International Marine Animals Trainer’s Association, is set to receive the three male dolphins.
- “We are honored and excited to welcome our new residents to the Gulfarium in October and are fully committed to providing the dolphins with the highest level of care at their new home,” said Patrick Berry, CEO of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
The Gulfarium recently expanded its facilities with the opening of Dolphin Oasis on March 8, 2024. The $30 million expansion includes three large interconnected habitats and three husbandry habitats, totaling over one million gallons of Gulf salt water.
Disney officials emphasized that the dolphins have thrived and led long lives under their care. “Through the extraordinary care from our team, 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,” stated Disney in a Cast Member communication.
The relocation of the dolphins is part of a series of changes at The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Disney is also working with manatee experts to relocate one of their resident manatees, Lou, to another rehabilitation center in Florida.
- They will then receive another manatee to be a companion for Lil Joe, the other manatee currently in their care.
These moves are being coordinated with the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services (USFWS) as part of a broader set of manatee relocations around the state. Disney stated that this is part of their ongoing efforts to address the manatee crisis in Florida, which has seen declining populations in recent years.
As a result of these changes, Disney will honor previously booked Guest reservations for Dolphins in Depth and DiveQuest experiences through October 19. They expect DiveQuest to return in 2025.
“Our commitment to conservation and care for animals remains at the core of what we do, and the Cast Members who care for these marine mammals and other sea life will remain at The Seas continuing to focus on key species and conservation initiatives represented in the pavilion,” wrote Disney in the memo.
