Five Manatees Successfully Rehabilitated at Two Ohio Zoos Flown Back to Florida Facilities to Prepare for Return to Home Waters

Core Points - Five manatees were successfully transported over 1,000 miles to Florida as part of a conservation effort involving multiple zoological and marine institutions [1][2][3] - The manatees were rehabilitated by the Columbus Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, ZooTampa, and SeaWorld Orlando, highlighting a collaborative approach to wildlife conservation [3][11] - The transportation was executed with meticulous planning, ensuring the safety and comfort of the manatees during the flight [9][8] Rehabilitation and Care - The manatees were placed in custom-built containers for safe travel and were monitored throughout the flight by animal care specialists [2][8] - Two male manatees, Nighthawk and Mr. Dobak, were transferred to SeaWorld Orlando after being rescued as orphaned calves in January 2023, and they have since gained significant weight [4][17] - Three female manatees, Nolia, Amethyst, and Waffles, received intensive care for approximately 10 months before being moved back to ZooTampa for final rehabilitation [5][7] Conservation Efforts - The Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) plays a crucial role in the rescue and rehabilitation of manatees, involving various organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation [12][13] - The Columbus Zoo has returned 39 manatees to Florida, while the Cincinnati Zoo has returned 27, demonstrating the effectiveness of these rehabilitation efforts [14] - The ongoing conservation work is vital as manatees face numerous threats, including habitat loss and human-related injuries [15][16] Logistics and Transportation - DHL Express facilitated the transport of the manatees, utilizing state-of-the-art containers and ensuring their well-being during the journey [2][9] - The manatees were secured on palettes and provided with a comfortable resting environment, including an 8-inch-thick foam bed and temperature control measures [8][9] - The logistics involved in the transfer highlight the importance of collaboration between conservation organizations and logistics companies [9][22]