Calfuccino the Manatee Begins Rehabilitation at Disney World

A rescued Florida manatee named Calfuccino is starting her new chapter at Walt Disney World, with guests at EPCOT’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends now able to witness her rehabilitation journey firsthand. Calfuccino joins two other manatees at the aquarium as she continues her road to recovery and eventual manatee release back into the wild.

Rescue and Early Care of Calfuccino

Calfuccino was rescued in May 2025 near Naples, Florida, alongside her mother, Venti, who had suffered an injury but managed to care for her calf despite her own challenges. After their rescue, Calfuccino was transferred to ZooTampa, where she received critical care vital for her survival and recovery. During her time at ZooTampa, she grew exponentially, increasing from approximately 156 pounds at the time of her rescue to more than 545 pounds today.

Rehabilitation at EPCOT’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Now housed at EPCOT, Calfuccino is sharing her environment with fellow manatees Cider and Tanimura. Disney’s animal care team will work with her throughout the coming months to ensure she is ready to return to her natural habitat. This process is part of a well-established program at EPCOT, which provides short-term manatee rehabilitation and specialized manatee care for animals recovering from illness, injury, or other challenges.

Partnerships Aiding Manatee Recovery

Calfuccino’s arrival at Disney World is an extension of ongoing collaborations between Disney, the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These organizations work together to support manatee recovery efforts across the state of Florida, focusing on manatee rescue, care, and the eventual reintroduction of these animals into the wild.

EPCOT’s Role as a Manatee Rehabilitation Center

The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT has quietly grown into one of the most meaningful manatee rehabilitation centers in Florida. Through its partnerships, Disney World has successfully rehabilitated and released 30 manatees back into their natural environment. The center’s mission is to provide manatees with the care they need to recover and thrive, thus supporting marine life and manatee populations across the region.

Looking Ahead for Calfuccino

As Calfuccino continues her recovery, guests visiting EPCOT have the unique opportunity to observe her progress and learn about the importance of manatee conservation. With the support of Disney’s animal care experts, ZooTampa, and dedicated wildlife and rehabilitation partners, there is optimism for Calfuccino’s successful return to the wild. Her story highlights the vital work being done in manatee rehabilitation and the ongoing commitment to preserving Florida’s marine life.

Source: clickorlando.com.