2 Young Manatees Transferred To Bishop Museum In Bradenton

BRADENTON, FL — Two young female manatees are beginning the next phase of rehabilitation in Bradenton after arriving at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature's Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, according to the museum.

The museum said the manatees, Sorbet and Juneau, were transferred from ZooTampa at Lowry Park's critical care hospital for secondary care.

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Manatees that are medically cleared after hospitalization are either released if they are adults or moved into secondary care if they were rescued as orphans.

“The museum is happy to receive Sorbet and Juneau into secondary care. Helping the manatees continue the rehabilitation process and freeing up critical care space at our hospitals are the reasons we are here," Virginia Edmonds, director of animal care at the museum, said. “It is a privilege to be able to perform this work at The Bishop.”

Both manatees were rescued this past winter and need continued care because of their young age and lack of experience in the wild, according to the museum. Orphan calves often miss important survival information when they are separated from their mothers.

• Also Read: Manatee County Residents Get Free Admission Weekends at The Bishop Through 2027

Sorbet is a 5-foot, 240-pound calf rescued from Crystal River in December after she was identified as an orphan. Museum animal care staff are closely monitoring her behavior and eating habits as she adjusts to the new facility.

Juneau, the larger of the two, is 6 feet long and weighs 335 pounds. She was rescued in St. Petersburg in January. The museum said she was also diagnosed with cold stress syndrome, a condition that can affect manatees exposed to prolonged cold-water temperatures.

She has a healthy appetite and inquisitive behavior, and is eating toward a release goal weight of 600 pounds.

"The arrival of new manatees to start their rehabilitation journey at The Bishop is always a very special time for the staff and visitors alike," Andrew Sandall, museum CEO, said. “We look forward to watching their progress over the next few months and seeing their personalities come out as our incredible Animal Care Team works to get them ready for release, and back living in the wild where they belong.”

Visitors can observe Sorbet and Juneau as they acclimate to their temporary home and continue recovery. Educational displays near the habitat explain each manatee's story, the rehabilitation process and the steps required before release back into the wild.

The Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat is a Stage 2 facility that provides intermediate care after emergency treatment and focuses on recovery, healthy weight gain and preparation for return to Florida waters.