Calfuccino arrived at Walt Disney World's EPCOT, where the rescued manatee calf entered a new phase of rehabilitation. Her move came after a major weight gain, from 156 pounds when she entered care to over 545 pounds.
She was being cared for at The Seas with Nemo & Friends on a short-term basis as part of a plan to return her to Florida waters.
Here's what to know
In May 2025, rescuers found Calfuccino near Naples with her mother, Venti, Fox 35 Orlando reported. Venti was injured, and Calfuccino was still in her care. Before reaching EPCOT, ZooTampa provided critical care for Calfuccino.
Calfuccino now shares the EPCOT habitat with Cider and Tanimura, two other manatees receiving short-term rehabilitation care. Guests can see all three animals there as that safekeeping continues.
More background
Disney works with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support manatees that are sick, injured, or otherwise limited.
Calfuccino's arrival at EPCOT was part of a coordinated effort to stabilize vulnerable manatees and return them to Florida waters when they are ready.
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Officials have not said how long Calfuccino will remain at EPCOT, and details about the injuries she suffered have not been provided. Disney said it had successfully rehabilitated and released 30 manatees.
Where can I learn more?
These stories cover freed and rehabilitated manatees, unusual injuries, and ZooTampa's work with vulnerable calves.
• Florida rescuers freed a manatee from beneath a road and sent him home 105 pounds heavier.
• Across Florida, more than 20 rehabilitated manatees returned to state waters after years of care.
• Near St. Simons, Georgia's first documented entangled manatee was spotted before rescuers set it free.
• In Florida, a dying manatee revealed clues to a rare shark bite researchers seldom see.
• At ZooTampa, staff welcomed their first manatee calf in a decade.
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