19 Manatees Continue to Receive Critical Care
ZooTampa at Lowry Park has achieved a significant milestone by releasing 26 rehabilitated manatees back into Florida waters in 2025 — the highest number in its history. This accomplishment underscores the Zoo's pivotal role in conserving this iconic species and its role within the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership.
The Zoo’s David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, the largest nonprofit facility of its kind in the U.S., has cared for over 615 manatees since 1991, with the majority successfully returned to their natural habitat.
The Zoo’s manatee rescue, rehabilitation, and release program consists of an expert team of veterinarians, including two USFWS certified manatee critical care veterinarians, and animal care professionals who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In Spring 2026, ZooTampa, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, will unveil the Straz Family Manatee Rescue as part of the new Florida Waters expansion. The state-of-the-art facility will offer visitors immersive, eye-level underwater views of manatees, providing a unique opportunity to witness the Zoo's life-saving efforts firsthand.
ZooTampa's ongoing efforts are crucial, especially as Florida's manatee population faces challenges from sea grass loss and watercraft injuries. It is estimated that more than 620 manatees died with 97 suffering from boat strikes in 2025.
The Zoo, a nonprofit 501 (3)c organization, spends nearly $2 million each year to save manatees, and educates 1.2 million visitors and students annually about local and global wildlife conservation efforts.
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