Four Rescued Manatees Arrive in Florida for Final Rehabilitation

Four manatees recently rescued in Ohio have been transported to Florida as part of their final rehabilitation phase, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat. Concurrently, six manatees were moved from Florida to Ohio to continue their rehabilitation journey, as reported by the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP).

The manatees being rehabilitated in Florida include Redrock, Rosalyn, Erie, and Hundo. Redrock was rescued as an orphaned calf in the Indian River Lagoon on May 10, 2024, while Rosalyn was found in the Banana River on December 2, 2024. Erie, suffering from cold stress, was rescued from the DeSoto Canal on January 9, 2025, and Hundo was found in the Crystal River on March 11, 2025. The transport process was thorough, utilizing specialized containers and care teams to ensure their safety and comfort during the journey.

The rehabilitation collaboration involves multiple organizations, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Columbus Zoo, the Cincinnati Zoo, SeaWorld Orlando, and others. Since 1999, over 40 manatees have transitioned to Florida from the Columbus Zoo’s facility alone.