ZooTampa at Lowry Park is currently housing and rehabilitating 27 manatees, marking the largest number of these gentle giants the zoo has cared for at one time. This extraordinary effort highlights the zoo’s vital role in protecting Florida’s beloved marine mammals.
The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center has successfully treated over 600 manatees since its inception in 1991. The center’s legacy is a testament to its commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
Decades of Expertise in Manatee Care
“Leveraging nearly three decades of manatee care experience gives us a distinct advantage in helping these animals in their fight for survival. It’s a great day when we can release our patients,” said Tiffany Burns, ZooTampa’s senior director of animal programs and president of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership.
The center’s long-standing expertise ensures that injured and ill manatees receive the best care possible, improving their chances of returning to their natural habitats.
Recent Success Stories: Habanero and Dawlee
This week, ZooTampa celebrated the release of two rehabilitated manatees:
- Habanero, a 685-pound male, was rescued in July 2023 after sustaining injuries from a watercraft impact.
- Dawlee, a 1,000-pound female, was rescued in May 2024 due to a crab pot entanglement injury.
These success stories demonstrate the resilience of these animals and the critical role of the center in their recovery.
Preparing for Winter Challenges
As colder temperatures approach, the need for critical care intervention becomes even more urgent. “We have already released 12 manatees back to Florida waters and have an additional 13 releases scheduled this winter. However, the manatees keep coming in, and the need for critical care intervention will be even higher as the temperature drops and some manatees struggle to find warmer waters,” said Burns.
The zoo’s work becomes especially vital during the winter months when manatees often face increased risks due to cold stress.
The Largest Nonprofit Manatee Care Center in the U.S.
ZooTampa’s Manatee Critical Care Center is the largest nonprofit facility of its kind in the United States. This state-of-the-art center stands as a beacon of hope for manatees, providing life-saving interventions and raising awareness about the challenges these animals face. WFLA initially published the story.
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