Discuss ending the yr on a constructive observe. ZooTampa is aware of simply how you can finish the yr with a bang. On the finish of 2025, they introduced that that they had efficiently launched 26 rehabilitated manatees again into the waters. Now, they’re having fun with the Florida waters the place they belong within the new yr.
2025 Had A Document Quantity Of Rehabilitated Manatees Returned To The Wild
A Florida zoo ended the yr with nothing however smiles at its large success. Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park achieved one thing actually unimaginable. By their manatee rehabilitation program, the zoo was capable of efficiently launch 26 rehabilitated manatees again into Florida waters.
Not solely is that unimaginable for the manatees, however PEOPLE additionally shares that it’s a new milestone for people as effectively. These 26 manatees are “the very best quantity in a single yr for the park” to be launched.
Whereas the variety of manatees launched is new, releasing rehabilitated manatees again into the wild is nothing new for this park. In actual fact, the zoo shared that it has cared for “over 615 manatees since 1991.” Moreover, most of these manatees are efficiently returned to their pure habitat.
Actual Life Success Tales
ZooTampa shared tales from some particular manatees that have been efficiently launched again into the wild. Two of those rehabilitated manatees have been Finn and Mudonna. Mudonna was rescued weeks after the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton. WUSF shares that she was trapped in solely 5 inches of water. Moreover, she had restricted meals and was surviving temperatures that dropped as little as 30 levels.
When she was rescued, she solely weighed 345 kilos – a far cry from the everyday 1,000 kilos for an grownup manatee. But after her time with ZooTampa, together with help from the Florida Fish and Wildlife and the College of Florida Marine Rescue, she recovered. By the point she was prepared to depart the ability, she was wholesome and weighed over 700 kilos.