Interstate cooperation readies 3 manatees for wild release.
Rescued Manatees Return to ZooTampa After Rehabilitation
Three young manatees, who were rescued two years ago from southwest Florida, have made their way back to ZooTampa after a period of “fattening up” at the Cincinnati Zoo. The plan is to release them back into the wild in Crystal River, Florida in February 2024.
These manatees seek shelter in warm spring-fed waterways during cold weather, as temperatures below 68 degrees can be deadly for them. The hope is that by releasing them on a cold day when wild adults are present, the older manatees will help the youngsters learn to navigate life on their own.
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The orphans, named Piccolina, Soleil, and Calliope, were rescued and cared for by the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). These organizations work together to rescue, rehabilitate, release, and monitor Florida manatees.
Piccolina, the smallest of the three, weighed just 44 pounds when she arrived at ZooTampa. After time spent in Ohio, she now weighs a healthy 755 pounds. Soleil, found with an infected umbilical cord, has grown to almost 1,000 pounds. Calliope, rescued with a partially attached umbilical cord, now weighs 813 pounds.
Once their health stabilizes, the manatees are transferred between rehabilitation facilities using special cargo planes. During the flight, they are carefully monitored and kept at the right temperature.
Importance of Rescuing Manatees
Rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned manatees is crucial for the health of aquatic ecosystems. Manatees play a vital role in maintaining the balance of these ecosystems by acting as aquatic gardeners, keeping aquatic vegetation in check and filtering out pollutants.
While the manatee population has increased in recent years, they still face threats such as starvation and pollution. The loss of seagrasses, their main food source, has led to the death of manatees on the east coast of Florida. Efforts are being made to save these gentle creatures and ensure their survival.
Baby Boom at ZooTampa
In addition to rescuing manatees, ZooTampa is also celebrating the birth of a baby southern white rhino. This birth is part of an effort to boost the species’ chance of avoiding extinction. The zoo is actively involved in the Species Survival Plan Program, which coordinates the breeding of animals to maintain genetic diversity.
With their ongoing efforts, ZooTampa and other organizations are making a difference in the lives of these incredible animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Nanette Holt contributed to this report
How did the professionals at ZooTampa nurse the weak and malnourished manatees back to health after their rescue in January 2022?
Were rescued in January 2022 when they were just a few months old. At the time, they were weak and malnourished, and in need of immediate care. They were taken to ZooTampa where a team of dedicated professionals worked tirelessly to nurse them back to health.
Over the past two years, the manatees have undergone a remarkable transformation. With round-the-clock care, a strict diet, and plenty of exercise, they have grown into healthy and robust individuals. However, in order to prepare them for life in the wild, the decision was made to move them to the Cincinnati Zoo for a period of time to help them gain weight.
At the Cincinnati Zoo, the manatees were given access to an abundance of food, allowing them to fatten up and develop the necessary layer of blubber to keep them warm during the colder months. The team at the zoo closely monitored their progress, ensuring they were on track for a successful return to the wild.
Now, after months of rehabilitation, the three manatees have returned to their home at ZooTampa. They will spend a few more months there, undergoing further training and preparation for their eventual release in Crystal River, Florida. It is hoped that by releasing them alongside adult manatees, they will have the opportunity to learn vital skills and behaviors from their wild counterparts.
The release of these manatees is an important milestone in conservation efforts. Manatees are classified as a vulnerable species, with their numbers declining due to factors such as habitat loss and boat strikes. The successful rescue and rehabilitation of these three individuals not only gives them a second chance at life but also contributes to the overall conservation of the species.
It is worth noting that the work does not end with the release of these manatees. ZooTampa, along with other organizations and agencies, will continue to monitor their progress in the wild. This will help to gather valuable data and insights into their behaviors, movements, and interactions with other manatees. Such information will be crucial in developing effective conservation strategies for the species.
The return of Piccolina, Soleil, and Calliope to ZooTampa marks a significant step forward in their journey to freedom. With the continued dedication and efforts of conservationists, it is hoped that one day the manatee population will thrive once again. The successful rehabilitation and release of these individuals serve as a reminder of the importance of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our natural world.
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