The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the few zoos outside of Florida that participates in the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), providing a safe haven for injured and orphaned manatees. As a second-stage rehabilitation facility, the zoo plays a crucial role in nursing these gentle giants back to health and preparing them for their eventual release into the wild.

Manatee Exhibit and House

Manatee Springs

At the heart of the Cincinnati Zoo’s manatee program is the Manatee Springs exhibit. This immersive habitat is designed to mimic the natural environment of the Florida manatee, providing a large pool and a comfortable viewing area for visitors to observe these fascinating creatures.

Manatee Program and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation Process

The Cincinnati Zoo’s manatee program is a collaborative effort with ZooTampa, another key player in the MRP. Injured or orphaned manatees are first cared for at ZooTampa, where they receive critical medical attention and initial rehabilitation. Once they have gained enough strength and weight, the manatees are then transferred to the Cincinnati Zoo to continue their recovery.

Goal Weight for Release

For a manatee to be considered for release back into the wild, it must weigh at least 600 pounds. The Cincinnati Zoo’s dedicated team of veterinarians and caretakers work tirelessly to ensure the manatees under their care reach this target weight, providing them with a nutritious diet primarily consisting of lettuce.

Partnership with ZooTampa

The collaboration between the Cincinnati Zoo and ZooTampa is essential to the success of the manatee rehabilitation program. The two zoos work closely together, transferring manatees between their facilities as needed to provide the best possible care and increase the chances of a successful release.

Manatee Names and Stories

Recent Arrivals

In October 2023, the Cincinnati Zoo welcomed three new manatee residents: Nolia, Amethyst, and Waffles. These orphaned manatees were rescued earlier in the year and are now receiving the specialized care they need to grow and thrive at the zoo.

Previous Residents

Soleil, Calliope, and Piccolina were three manatees that were transferred from ZooTampa to the Cincinnati Zoo in November 2022. These manatees had been rescued in 2021 and required intensive care, including bottle feeding, before being moved to the Cincinnati Zoo for further rehabilitation.

Manatee Facts and Conservation

Florida Manatee

The Florida manatee is a herbivorous marine mammal that inhabits both saltwater and freshwater environments. These gentle giants are known for their slow swimming speed, averaging 3-5 miles per hour, and their need for frequent access to fresh water.

Threats to Manatees

Manatees face a variety of threats, both natural and human-caused. These include red tide, cold stress, disease, boat strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear. Conservation efforts, such as the work done by the Cincinnati Zoo, are crucial to protecting these vulnerable creatures.

Conservation Efforts

The Cincinnati Zoo’s participation in the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership is a testament to its commitment to manatee conservation. Visitors to the zoo can learn about the plight of manatees and how they can contribute to their protection.

Visiting the Cincinnati Zoo

Hours and Admission

The Cincinnati Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with early entry for members at 9 a.m. until November 16. Tickets can be purchased online, with a $40 savings for a family of four on select days.

Manatee Viewing

Visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo can observe the manatees at the Manatee Springs exhibit during regular zoo hours, gaining a firsthand glimpse into the zoo’s vital work in rescuing and rehabilitating these remarkable creatures.

References:

• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2023). Big Manatee Moves. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/big-manatee-moves/
• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2023). Three New Manatees Now Swimming in Manatee Springs at the Cincinnati Zoo. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/three-new-manatees-now-swimming-in-manatee-springs-at-the-cincinnati-zoo/
• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (n.d.). You Are A… Manatee. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/what-are-you/you-are-a-manatee/
• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Florida Manatee. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/animals-archive/florida-manatee/
• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2022). Welcome Manatees. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/welcome-manatees/