BRADENTON – The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature received three young female manatees for secondary rehabilitation.
The largest of the three, Crane, is recovering from cold stress syndrome, and was rescued from Crane’s Bayou near Longboat Key. At the time of rescue, she weighed 355 pounds and now weighs 450 pounds.
Mandalore is an orphaned calf rescued from Blue Springs in Orange City in February. When she was rescued, she weighed 180 pounds and is now 320 pounds.
Kyber is also an orphaned calf who suffered from prolonged exposure to cold water. Rescued from Crystal River, she weighed 200 pounds and now weighs 310 pounds.
Critical Care is considered the first rehabilitation stage and focuses on medical needs and helping manatees recover from injury or illness. Adult manatees with the greatest knowledge of the wild return to the wild when medically cleared.
Naïve animals with limited understanding of the wild are moved to secondary care. The arrival of Crane, Mandalore and Kyber at the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat marks the next phase in their recovery process.
“It’s always a big day when we get new arrivals to the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, with these three joining the list of over 50 manatees we have cared for and returned to the wild,” said Andrew Sandall, Chief Executive Officer at The Bishop. “It’s a privilege to play such a key role in the conservation of this majestic species and I’m so proud of our team here for their passion and commitment to making sure these manatees get the best care possible during their time with us.”
Visitors to The Bishop can observe these manatees as they continue rehabilitation. Informational displays near the viewing areas will provide details about their individual cases, the rehabilitation process and the physical requirements for release.
The Bishop Museum is located at 201 10th St. W. in Bradenton. Visit the Bishop Museum online at the museum website.
