COLUMBUS, Ohio — Three orphaned manatees that were undergoing rehabilitation at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium were released back to Florida waters last week.
The Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership released a total of five manatees to Blue Spring State Park in Florida after a yearslong journey. The two other manatees were undergoing rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando and the Georgia Aquarium.
The animals were rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission between 2020 and 2021. The zoo partnered with several other organizations to provide treatment and rehabilitate the orphaned calves.
All of the animals will be fitted with a GPS tracking device that allows researchers to monitor movements and ensure they acclimate properly to their natural habitat.
The Columbus Zoo is one of only three facilities outside of Florida that cares for manatees.
The zoo is a second-stage rehabilitation facility that provides a temporary home for manatees until they are ready for release back into the wild.
“Words cannot describe the immense joy and hope we feel as we help these manatees back into their native waters after they have been in our care at the Columbus Zoo,” said Becky Ellsworth, curator of the Zoo’s Shores & Aquarium region. “We realize there is still more work to do and more manatees to help, and we know that along with our partners through the MRP and the guests who connect with these manatees’ inspiring stories, together we are making a positive difference.”
Manatees that were released back into Florida waters were:
Squirrel (Rehabilitated at SeaWorld Orlando, Miami Seaquarium and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)
Lizzie (Rehabilitated at SeaWorld Orlando and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)
MaryKate (Rehabilitated at SeaWorld Orlando and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)
Clank (Rehabilitated at SeaWorld Orlando and Georgia Aquarium)
TinkTink (Rehabilitated at SeaWorld Orlando and Georgia Aquarium)
