The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s resident manatee Stubby is caring for three rescued manatee calves, helping them settle in as they continue their rehabilitation journey.
The calves, named Celine, Poplin and Gingham, have arrived safely at the zoo from SeaWorld Orlando as part of a wider, multi-institution conservation effort.
Stubby plays an important role in helping care for rescued calves during their rehabilitation and "has often voluntarily assumed the role of a surrogate mother to younger manatees", the zoo said.
Due to injuries sustained in a boat strike, Stubby is considered conditionally non-releasable.
Stubby the manatee plays an important role in helping care for rescued calves during their rehabilitationColumbus Zoo
All three calves are doing well and are gradually becoming familiar with their new surroundings, according to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Celine, Poplin and Gingham arrived at the zoo following the departure of three other manatees in its care – Redrock, Rosalyn and Erie.
These manatees have arrived safely in Florida, where they will continue their rehabilitation at the Brevard Zoo's manatee rehabilitation centre.
As part of the coordinated effort, another manatee named Hundo from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden accompanied the three female manatees on their journey back to Florida.
Hundo has arrived at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens for continued rehabilitation, and all four manatees are now closer to their anticipated release into their native Florida waters this winter.
As part of the same effort, three more rescued manatees named Smidge, Tuglet and Zimomo arrived at the Cincinnati Zoo from SeaWorld Orlando on 14 October for continued rehabilitation.
"Helping rescued manatees recover and return to their native waters is at the heart of our conservation work at the Columbus Zoo,” said Becky Ellsworth, curator of the Columbus Zoo's Shores and Aquarium region.
"Our animal care and conservation medicine teams invest tremendous expertise, time, and care into giving each manatee the best possible chance of returning to the wild.
"Seeing them reach this milestone is incredibly rewarding, and welcoming the next group reminds us that our work to protect this threatened species continues."
