Help Snooty The Manatee Celebrate 68 Years

Bradenton, FL — It’s not every day that a record-breaking manatee turns 68. That’s why the folks at the South Florida Museum are hoping to make Snooty the Manatee's birthday celebration extra special this year.

To do so, however, the museum needs about 100 volunteers. While many in the community have lined up to assist during the bash honoring Bradenton's celebrity manatee, helping hands are still needed, said Jessica Schubick, museum spokeswoman.

“The South Florida Museum wouldn’t be able to undertake the annual community-wide celebration of Snooty’s birthday without the help of generous volunteers,” Schubick said. “We are so grateful to have the support of so many in providing this community service and sincere celebration of the life of such a beloved animal.”

Volunteers, age 14 and up, are needed to help out throughout the upcoming Snooty’s Birthday Bash & Wildlife Festival. The annual event takes place this year on July 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free outdoor celebration is held in Spanish Plaza, in the 10th Street West museum’s north parking lot.

Those who volunteer or simply come out to celebrate will find the bash offers a lot of activities. The celebration features children’s games, art activities, free cookies and drinks for kids and more. Throughout the celebration, admission to the museum, planetarium and aquarium are offered at a reduced price, as well.

Snooty was born at the old Miami Aquarium on July 21, 1948. In 2015, Guinness World Records certified Snooty as the “world’s oldest known manatee.” The Bradenton celeb has been under the care of the South Florida Museum since he arrived in Manatee County way back in 1949. In 1979, the popular critter was named Manatee County’s official mascot.

“Today, he is well known all over the world and each year receives birthday wishes from countries near and far,” museum officials said. “Not only is Snooty a wildlife ambassador who introduces thousands of South Florida Museum visitors to manatees and their unique life histories each year, he also serves as a mentor to sick and injured manatees.”

• See Also: Snooty Breaks World Record

In addition to being Snooty’s home, the South Florida Museum and its Parker Manatee Aquarium are part of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership. The group, originally created by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is made up of organizations that rescue and rehabilitate manatees.

Aside from world-record fame, Snooty was featured on the “Captain Kangaroo” television show in 1982 in a documentary on manatees.

“Snooty is a one-of-a-kind animal," Brynne Anne Besio, the museum's CEO, told Patch. "Not only does he make history every day as the Guinness certified oldest-known manatee in the world, but he also provides valuable insight into the health and life cycle of all manatees.”

Those interested in volunteering for Snooty’s party will find shifts available, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Kids under 14 can volunteer, but they must be with an adult chaperone, the museum says. To register to volunteer, visit the museum online.

The South Florida Museum is located at 201 10th St. W. in Bradenton. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sundays. The organization also accepts donations to help with its educational and rehabilitation efforts.

Visitors who want to see Snooty before his big day will find there are daily feeding presentations at the aquarium. They take place throughout the day, each day the museum and aquarium are open to the public.

Photo of Snooty courtesy of the South Florida Museum