The manatees are part of a group of 20 released by the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Seven manatees rehabilitated at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium have been released back to the wild in Florida. 

The manatees, rehabilitated in conjunction with Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), are part of a group of 20 from facilities across the country, Columbus Zoo announced Wednesday. According to a press release, most of the manatees were affected by cold stress syndrome and rescued as young orphans by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and MRP partners.

The manatees were released to Florida waters near Blue Spring State Park, Crystal River, Warm Mineral Springs and the TECO Apollo Beach power plant. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) tagged the animals to monitor their progress. Manatees considered “naive,” or lacking necessary experience in the wild, will be monitored by GPS. 

“The gear we deploy on manatees allows CMARI to monitor a manatee’s movement and behavior. When an animal loses their tracking gear, we have no way to provide assistance or rescue needs if they become sick or are not adapting back into the wild. Their monitoring gear is their lifeline during this vital phase of recovery,” said Monica Ross, director of manatee research and conservation with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute.


“What’s special about the MRP is the way it brings organizations together through a coordinated network of partners, extending the reach of manatee conservation far beyond Florida. Caring for manatees here in Ohio also provides us with the opportunity to connect millions of guests with their story, helping people understand why manatees matter and what it takes from all of us to protect them. It’s incredibly rewarding to know our role helps support their journey back home and that their story can inspire action everywhere,” said Becky Ellsworth, curator of the Columbus Zoo’s Shores and Aquarium region.

The MRP urges the public not to interact with a tagged manatee, as they must learn survival skills. 

Manatees rehabilitated by the Columbus Zoo and released to the wild in Florida: 

Clawford (female) — rescued from Matanzas River, St. Augustine, Fla. in Aug. 2023, released to Blue Spring State Park Vora (female) — rescued from Lake Santa Barbara, Pompano Beach in Oct. 2023, released to Blue Spring State Park Lilypad (female) — rescued from Salt Springs in Dec. 2023, released to Blue Spring State ParkCarditee (female) — rescued from San Sebastian River in Sept. 2020, released to Blue Spring State Park Mr. Dobak (male) — rescued from Coral Creek in Placida in Jan. 2023, released to Warm Mineral Springs Orchid (female) — rescued from Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River in March 2024, released to Crystal RiverCobble (male) — rescued from Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River in Feb. 2024, released to Crystal River