ZooTampa and Cincinnati Zoo have teamed up to transfer three female manatees to the latter’s temporary home, Cincinnati. After being rescued as orphaned calves, the manatees received care at ZooTampa, and have now been moved to Cincinnati to carry on their rehabilitation journey. Cincinnati Zoo provides veterinary care and food to manatees until they are healthy and robust enough to be taken back to Florida waters. The transfer will help ZooTampa continue its commitment to saving Florida’s species during winter while allowing space for newly rescued animals in critical care facilities in Florida.
Three Orphaned Manatees Rehabilitated by ZooTampa Transported to Cincinnati for Continued Care: A Testimony to the Power of Compassionate Wildlife Conservation
In wildlife conservation, every success story is a cause for celebration. This is especially true for orphaned and injured animals given a second chance at life thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated professionals and volunteers. A recent example of such a success story involves three manatees recently transported from ZooTampa at Lowry Park to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden for continued rehabilitation.
The three manatees in question – named BamBam, DeSoto, and Tostone – were all rescued as orphaned calves in different areas of Florida. BamBam was stranded without his mother in February 2020, while DeSoto and Tostone were rescued in June and July of the same year. All three manatees received round-the-clock care at ZooTampa’s Manatee Critical Care Center, where they were nurtured back to health and taught essential skills for survival in the wild.
According to Dr. Ray Ball, the vice president of medical sciences at ZooTampa, the successful rehabilitation of these manatees is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the team that cared for them. “Orphaned manatees require a unique level of care beyond basic medical treatment,” he said. “They need to learn how to feed on their own, socialize with other manatees, and navigate their environment. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that these animals had the best possible chance of full recovery, and we are thrilled to see them take the next step in their rehabilitation journey.”
The journey involved transporting the three manatees to Cincinnati, where they would receive continued care and rehabilitation at the Manatee Springs exhibit. This exhibit is designed to mimic a natural habitat for manatees, complete with warm water, basking areas, and foliage. The manatees will be closely monitored by a team of experts, who will continue to teach them essential skills and monitor their health.
According to Wendy Rice, the manatee aquarist at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, this is an exciting opportunity to support the conservation of these fantastic animals. “Manatees are a beloved part of Florida’s wildlife, but they face significant threats from habitat loss and human activity,” she said. “By providing continued care and rehabilitation for BamBam, DeSoto, and Tostone, we are helping to ensure their survival and contribute to the overall conservation of this species.”
The transport of the manatees from Tampa to Cincinnati was a carefully planned operation involving a custom-built transport vehicle and a team of experts from both zoos. The manatees were carefully loaded into the car and made the journey north, accompanied by caretakers who monitored their health and well-being throughout the trip.
Now settled into their new home in Cincinnati, BamBam, DeSoto, and Tostone are continuing their rehabilitation journey under the careful watch of a dedicated team. They serve as a reminder of the power of compassionate wildlife conservation and the vital role that zoos and rehabilitation centers play in protecting endangered species. By working together, we can help ensure that these amazing animals continue to thrive in the wild for generations.
