The manatees, each rescued from Florida waterways after suffering injuries or illness, were treated and cared for through a collaborative effort between the Columbus Zoo’s Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership and wildlife agencies in Florida. After months of recovery and steady progress, the team determined the animals were strong enough to be transported back to their native habitat.
“This is always an emotional moment for our staff,” said Becky Ellsworth, regional curator at the Columbus Zoo. “We’ve watched these manatees regain their strength and mobility, and now they’re ready to complete their journey back to the wild.”
The Columbus Zoo is one of only a handful of facilities outside Florida that participate in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership. Since joining the program in 1999, the zoo has helped rehabilitate more than 30 manatees, offering critical care space to ease the strain on Florida’s rescue facilities during population surges or cold-weather events.
Once back in Florida, the six manatees will spend time at a secondary facility, where experts will monitor their feeding and behavior to ensure they’re ready for full release. Officials expect them to return to the wild within the next several months, helping strengthen conservation efforts for the threatened species.
“This partnership shows what can be achieved when zoos, aquariums, and wildlife agencies work together,” Ellsworth said. “Every successful return to the wild gives hope for the future of manatees.”
The Columbus Zoo encourages visitors to follow the manatees’ progress through updates posted on its website and social media channels.