Three of the Cincinnati Zoo’s former manatees were released back into Florida waters this week after months of rehabilitation.The zoo said Lilypad and Vora were released in Blue Spring, and Orchid was released in Crystal River.The manatees were let back into the wild as part of a mass release of more than 20 manatees by the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership.Lily, Orchid, and Vora received critical care at SeaWorld Orlando before moving to the Cincinnati Zoo in October of 2024.They also spent several weeks at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium before returning to Florida with Columbus’ manatees, Sabal, Clawford, and Cobble – who were also part of the mass release.According to the zoo, the released manatees have been tagged by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and will be monitored to support a successful transition back to their native range.The manatee release come at a critical time for the species, as Florida manatees face ongoing natural and human-caused threats.“Rehabbing manatees is no easy task and requires cooperation from multiple facilities,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s curator of mammals Kim Scott. “This was even more true with Lilypad, Vora, and Orchid. Due to construction in Manatee Springs, these three had to be moved before it was time to go back to Florida. Our friends at Columbus Zoo agreed to provide a temporary home for them before transporting the whole group to Florida together.”Visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo can see their manatee residents every day in Manatee Springs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CINCINNATI —

Three of the Cincinnati Zoo’s former manatees were released back into Florida waters this week after months of rehabilitation.

The zoo said Lilypad and Vora were released in Blue Spring, and Orchid was released in Crystal River.

The manatees were let back into the wild as part of a mass release of more than 20 manatees by the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership.

Lily, Orchid, and Vora received critical care at SeaWorld Orlando before moving to the Cincinnati Zoo in October of 2024.

They also spent several weeks at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium before returning to Florida with Columbus’ manatees, Sabal, Clawford, and Cobble – who were also part of the mass release.

According to the zoo, the released manatees have been tagged by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and will be monitored to support a successful transition back to their native range.

The manatee release come at a critical time for the species, as Florida manatees face ongoing natural and human-caused threats.

“Rehabbing manatees is no easy task and requires cooperation from multiple facilities,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s curator of mammals Kim Scott. “This was even more true with Lilypad, Vora, and Orchid. Due to construction in Manatee Springs, these three had to be moved before it was time to go back to Florida. Our friends at Columbus Zoo agreed to provide a temporary home for them before transporting the whole group to Florida together.”

Visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo can see their manatee residents every day in Manatee Springs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.