Quick Read
- Six manatees rehabilitated at Ohio zoos were transferred to Florida for final recovery and release.
- SeaWorld Orlando has rescued over 1,000 manatees since 1976.
- New manatee arrivals from Florida are receiving secondary care in Ohio.
- Manatees face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and human activities.
- The rescue network spans multiple states and facilities.
Manatee Rescue: A Network Spanning States
In a quiet but impactful operation this November, six manatees rehabilitated in Ohio began their final journey home. The effort, led by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and a coalition of Florida-based organizations including SeaWorld Orlando, reflects a growing network dedicated to saving Florida’s iconic sea mammals.
On November 9, these manatees—some having spent months at the Columbus Zoo, others recently transferred from Cincinnati—were carefully loaded onto a cargo flight in Kentucky. Their destination: Florida, where facilities like SeaWorld Orlando, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT awaited them for the last stage of their recovery.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Role in a Broader Mission
SeaWorld Orlando isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a cornerstone in manatee rescue and rehabilitation. Since launching its program in 1976, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued over 1,000 manatees, making it one of the nation’s leading centers for marine mammal care. For this operation, SeaWorld Orlando welcomed Clawford and Lilypad, two manatees who had spent the past year regaining strength in Ohio.
Once in Florida, these manatees face the final hurdles before returning to the wild. It’s a process that includes medical observation, dietary adjustments, and gradual reintroduction to their natural habitats. SeaWorld Orlando’s veterinary team works in tandem with state wildlife agencies, ensuring every animal is ready for the challenges of Florida’s waterways.
The Threats Facing Florida’s Manatees
Why all this effort for manatees? Florida’s manatee population is under siege from both natural and human-caused dangers. The most urgent threat comes from the widespread loss of sea grass—manatees’ main food source—due to pollution and climate change. Red tide events, cold stress during sudden temperature drops, and diseases are persistent challenges.
Human activity compounds the risks: boat strikes, crushing by flood gates, and entanglement in fishing gear are regular hazards. As Reuters and local conservation groups report, manatee mortality rates have spiked in recent years, prompting calls for action across state lines.
From Ohio Back to Florida: The Pathway of Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation journey is a testament to collaboration. The Columbus Zoo and Cincinnati Zoo serve as second-stage facilities, providing a safe environment for manatees rescued from Florida. Here, manatees receive medical care, nutritional support, and socialization, often under the watchful eye of resident foster mom Stubby—a non-releasable manatee who acts as a calming influence for younger calves.
Since 1999, the Columbus Zoo has returned 42 manatees to Florida, while the Cincinnati Zoo has cared for 35 and released 28. The numbers may seem modest, but for a species on the brink, every individual counts.
For this operation, three manatees—Clawford, Sabal, and Cobble—left Columbus Zoo for various Florida facilities. Three others—Vora, Orchid, and Lilypad—had transferred from Cincinnati Zoo during habitat renovations and joined the journey. Each arrived safely, according to the zoos’ press releases, and is settling in for the final phase before release into the wild.
New Arrivals and the Cycle of Care
While six manatees were heading south, six new young females were moving north. On November 12, Redrock, Rosalyn, and Noface arrived at the Columbus Zoo from SeaWorld Orlando, joining Stubby for continued rehabilitation. Noface, whose name reflects severe cold stress injuries from her rescue, highlights the vulnerability of these animals. At the Cincinnati Zoo, Slushie and Hundo (from ZooTampa) and Alfred (from SeaWorld Orlando) joined the ranks of recovering manatees.
This cycle—rescue, rehabilitation, release, and new arrivals—shows the ongoing nature of manatee conservation. It’s not a one-time effort but a continuous commitment, requiring coordination across states, agencies, and private organizations.
Impact and Future Outlook
SeaWorld Orlando’s work, along with its partners, demonstrates how dedicated institutions can make a tangible difference. Over 1,000 rescues since 1976 is not just a number—it’s a legacy. ZooTampa’s record of treating more than 600 manatees since 1991, and the steady contributions from Ohio’s zoos, show how widespread and effective these partnerships have become.
As Florida’s manatees face an uncertain future, the collaborative model built by SeaWorld Orlando and others could serve as a blueprint for other endangered species. It’s a reminder that conservation doesn’t stop at state borders, and that the fate of these gentle giants depends on the compassion and ingenuity of people working together.
The cross-state manatee rehabilitation network, anchored by SeaWorld Orlando, is a powerful example of how persistent teamwork can give endangered animals a fighting chance. While the threats remain daunting, the steady return and release of manatees prove that collaboration—and hope—are still very much alive.