Summary:
1. Squirrel and Scampi, female manatee calves, have been rescued and are receiving care at the Columbus Zoo through the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership.
2. Squirrel is one of the most miniature manatee calves ever received through the program, weighing 133 pounds, while Scampi weighs approximately 200 pounds.
3. Stubby, a resident of Manatee Coast at the Columbus Zoo, has become a surrogate mother to the manatees in the rehabilitation program.
4. Manatees face various challenges in their natural habitat, including water pollution, habitat loss, and boat strikes.
5. Visitors can support manatees by visiting Manatee Coast at the Columbus Zoo during Manatee Awareness Month.
Welcome to the fascinating world of manatees! Today, we will take a closer look at the heartwarming and incredible journey of two female manatee calves, Squirrel and Scampi, as they find themselves at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Manatee Coast through the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). Their story is captivating and sheds light on the challenges these gentle giants face in their natural range.
Let’s start with Squirrel, an adorable calf weighing just 133 pounds. This tiny manatee is among the smallest ever received through the MRP program. Can you imagine how delicate and vulnerable she must be? It’s a true testament to the dedication and expertise of the team at the Columbus Zoo that Squirrel is receiving the care she needs to grow and gain enough weight to survive on her own.
On the other hand, Scampi weighs approximately 200 pounds, which is more typical for a manatee calf of her age. She was rescued alongside her mom, Jumbo, who unfortunately did not survive due to injuries sustained from a boat strike. Scampi’s strength and resilience are truly inspiring, and her journey to recovery at the Columbus Zoo will ensure that she has the best possible chance at a future in the wild.
The incredible bond that Squirrel and Scampi have formed with a long-term resident of Manatee Coast, Stubby, is worth mentioning. Stubby, while being a magnificent manatee herself, is a conditionally non-releasable animal. Her extensive injuries from a boat strike prevent her from returning to the wild. However, she has voluntarily taken on the role of a surrogate mother, looking after more than 30 manatees that have entered the Zoo’s rehabilitation program since 1999. Stubby’s selflessness and dedication are remarkable and demonstrate these magnificent creatures’ nurturing nature.
Unfortunately, manatees face numerous challenges in their native range, making conservation efforts at places like the Columbus Zoo all the more vital. Water pollution, loss of habitat, and boat strikes are just a few of the obstacles that manatees confront daily. By supporting initiatives like the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership and visiting exhibits like Manatee Coast, you can raise awareness and secure a better future for these enchanting animals.
So, next time you plan a trip to the Columbus Zoo, stop by Manatee Coast and show your support for manatees. Your visit helps these creatures directly and spreads awareness about their plight. Together, we can protect and preserve the habitats and lives of these gentle giants. It’s #ManateeAwarenessMonth, after all, so let’s make a difference!
In conclusion, Squirrel and Scampi’s journey to the Columbus Zoo through the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership highlights the incredible work done to save and protect these magnificent marine mammals. Their stories, intertwined with the unconditional care provided by surrogate mother Stubby, serve as an inspiration for us all. By understanding the challenges that manatees face in their natural habitat and taking action to support their conservation, we can ensure a brighter future for these beloved creatures. So, join us at Manatee Coast and let’s make a splash for manatees!
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Source Description
It’s a sea cow takeover, as we look back at female manatee calves, Scampi and Squirrel’s journey to Manatee Coast at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium through the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). Here, they will receive care to continue growing and gaining enough weight to survive on their own. At 133 pounds, Squirrel is one of the most miniature manatee calves we have ever received through the program, while Scampi weighs approximately 200 pounds. Once the manatees are ready, the Columbus Zoo will work with other MRP partners and help Squirrel and Scampi return to Florida to prepare for release to the waters where they were found.
Her mom, Jumbo, rescued Scampi, who sustained injuries from a boat strike. Unfortunately, Jumbo did not survive. Only a few months old at the time of her rescue, Squirrel was found alone, hovering around a large rock as if it were her mom.
Scampi and Squirrel came to us after receiving initial care at Miami Seaquarium. Since arriving at the Columbus Zoo, both calves—especially Squirrel—have established a bond with Manatee Coast habitat long-term resident Stubby. Due to Stubby’s extensive injuries from a boat strike, she is considered to be a conditionally non-releasable animal. Her condition is evaluated every five years to determine if she is ready or not to return to Florida, but it is unlikely that she will move out of this category. Instead, she has voluntarily assumed the role of a surrogate mother, looking after the more than 30 manatees that have entered the Zoo’s rehabilitation program since its launch in 1999. She’s amazing!
Manatees face several challenges in their native range, including water pollution, loss of habitat and boat strikes. Stop by Manatee Coast during your next visit to the Columbus Zoo to show your support for manatees. #ManateeAwarenessMonth
