Overview
- Disney’s Dr. Mark Penning announced Mermaid’s release on October 9 following her rehabilitation at The Seas with Nemo & Friends.
- Mermaid was rescued from the Homosassa River in February and arrived at EPCOT in March weighing about 525 pounds.
- Disney’s animal care team helped her regain strength to at least 600 pounds before transporting her back to the same river for release.
- Cast members said cooler fall conditions can aid reintroduction, which guided the timing of the October release.
- The Seas now functions as a short-term facility with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, targeting six to nine month stays as current residents Tanimura and Cider continue care.