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SeaWorld expanding critical care facility for manatees in Orlando

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seaworld manatee rescue

SeaWorld will be able to care for 60 manatees in need, the largest capacity in Florida and the US.

SeaWorld has announced plans to expand its critical care facility for manatees in Orlando, adding 200,000 gallons of water. The project will double the size of SeaWorld’s critical care space in Florida.

Upon completion, SeaWorld will have the ability to care for 60 manatees in need, the largest capacity in Florida and in the US. The expansion is due to the unusual mortality event (UME) happening in the state.

“The crisis facing manatees is not letting up and we know that SeaWorld’s existing rescue center infrastructure gives us the foundation upon which to quickly build and expand to care for animals in need,” said Jon Peterson, VP of zoological operations at SeaWorld Orlando. 

“That larger space, together with our sizeable, highly specialized and experienced manatee care team means that we are able to mobilize quickly and effectively to help save the lives of these animals and in doing so help save the species from extinction.”

The new tri-pool complex at SeaWorld’s rescue centre in Orlando will feature a large round pool and two slightly smaller oval pools. All three pools will be interconnected, and will have shade coverings.

Unusual mortality event (UME) in Florida

In addition, SeaWorld will install a new critical care lift floor for an existing pool to raise the manatees safely to the water line to administer medical care and treatment and perform health checks.   

“Our state’s official marine animal – the manatee – has a special place in every Floridian’s heart,” said Florida Congressman Darren Soto. “I hear consistently from my constituents that helping manatees is an issue of high importance to them.”

Since 1976, SeaWorld has rescued and rehabilitated more than 800 manatees. The rescue centre in Orlando is one of five critical care facilities in the US for injured, sick and orphaned manatees.

The new pools will be operational in July 2022. The project is expected to be completed by early 2023.

Last year, Clearwater Marine Aquarium unveiled plans for a $10m habitat to rehabilitate manatees for release. SeaWorld announced its 36,000th animal rescue back in 2019.

Images: SeaWorld

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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