The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has long been a leader in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of manatees, playing a crucial role in the recovery of this vulnerable species. As one of only three facilities outside of Florida that cares for manatees, the Columbus Zoo is a second-stage rehabilitation center, providing a temporary home for these gentle giants until they are ready to be released back into the wild.

The Columbus Zoo’s Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is part of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), a collaborative effort involving non-profit, private, state, and federal entities that work together to monitor the health and survival of rehabilitated and released manatees. This partnership has been in place for over 20 years, and during this time, the Columbus Zoo has helped 32 manatees return to their natural habitat in Florida.

In 2023, the Columbus Zoo, along with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and SeaWorld Orlando, successfully rehabilitated and released eight orphaned manatees back to their temporary homes in Florida. This remarkable achievement was the culmination of more than two years of rescue and rehabilitation efforts by these four zoological and marine institutions.

Successful Manatee Releases from the Columbus Zoo

The Columbus Zoo’s commitment to manatee conservation is further exemplified by the successful release of five orphaned manatees into Blue Spring State Park in Florida in 2024. This collaborative effort involved the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, SeaWorld Orlando, Brevard Zoo, Georgia Aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Save the Manatee Club.

These manatees were fitted with GPS tracking devices to monitor their movements and assist in their acclimation to their environment over the next year. This data will be invaluable in understanding the long-term success of the release and the manatees’ ability to thrive in their natural habitat.

Unique Characteristics of Columbus Zoo Manatees

Manatees are generally solitary animals, but they can form groups in areas with ideal water temperature and abundant food. The scientific name for manatees is Trichecus manatus, and their conservation status is vulnerable. The average length of a manatee is 9.8 ft, and the average mass is 881 lb.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, along with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, play a crucial role in the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), a cooperative group of non-profit, private, state, and federal entities who work together to monitor the health and survival of rehabilitated and released manatees.

The Importance of the Columbus Zoo’s Manatee Conservation Efforts

The Columbus Zoo’s involvement in manatee rescue, rehabilitation, and release is a testament to its commitment to conservation and the preservation of this vulnerable species. By providing a temporary home for manatees and collaborating with other institutions, the Columbus Zoo is making a significant impact on the recovery of the manatee population.

The data collected from the GPS tracking devices on the released manatees will also contribute to a better understanding of the species’ behavior and habitat requirements, which is essential for developing effective conservation strategies.

As a zoo touring enthusiast, the opportunity to learn about and witness the Columbus Zoo’s manatee conservation efforts is a unique and valuable experience. Visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by manatees and the crucial role that institutions like the Columbus Zoo play in their protection and recovery.

Conclusion

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s involvement in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of manatees is a remarkable example of the zoo’s dedication to conservation and the preservation of vulnerable species. By collaborating with other institutions and utilizing cutting-edge technology, the Columbus Zoo is making a significant impact on the recovery of the manatee population and contributing to the scientific understanding of this gentle marine mammal.

For zoo touring enthusiasts, a visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is an opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible work being done to protect and conserve the manatee species. The zoo’s commitment to manatee conservation is a testament to its role as a leader in the field of animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

References:
– https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/orphaned-manatees-released-after-rehabilitation-at-columbus-zoo-aquarium-florida-delaware-ohio-blue-spring
– https://www.columbuszoo.org/animals/florida-manatee
– https://www.columbuszoo.org/conservation/manatee-rescue-and-rehabilitation-partnership-mrp
– https://www.columbuszoo.org/news/eight-rehabilitated-manatees-flown-ohio-zoos-back-florida-facilities-prepare-release-back-home