Six young manatees being cared for at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are preparing to return to Florida to complete their rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.<\/p>\n
Zoo officials announced on social media Nov. 8<\/a> that the manatees \u2014 named Cobble, Clawford, Sabal, Vora, Lilypad and Orchid \u2014 have reached healthy goal weights and are ready for transfer to partner rehabilitation facilities in Florida.<\/p>\n The move is scheduled to take place this week aboard a specialized transport plane accompanied by members of the zoo\u2019s Shores and Aquarium team.<\/p>\n Three of the manatees have been housed in Powell since September<\/a>, while the others were temporarily relocated from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during construction on that facility\u2019s manatee habitat. All six were orphaned in the wild and have undergone long-term care as part of the national Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership.<\/a><\/p>\n Once in Florida, the manatees will continue monitoring and conditioning before being released into coastal waters, zoo officials said in the post.<\/p>\n The Columbus Zoo is one of only a few facilities outside Florida licensed to care for manatees, a species classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.<\/p>\n The zoo\u2019s resident manatee, Stubby, will remain at the Manatee Coast habitat and is expected to serve as a “foster” companion for the next group of orphaned calves arriving from Florida in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n Visitors may see the manatees through the weekend before their departure, according to the zoo.<\/p>\n Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at\u00a0abayo@dispatch.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n