If you’ve visited the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, chances are you’ve spent time watching our gentle giants glide through the water, munching on romaine lettuce, or lazily resting near the surface. These incredible rescues, fostered by beloved resident manatee, Stubby, stole our hearts during their time in rehabilitation, and we know many of you have been eagerly awaiting updates on their journey back to their native waters.
Each year, orphaned and rescued manatees from Florida come to the Columbus Zoo for temporary care, completing their rehabilitation as part of our work with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), a cooperative group of non-profit, private, state, and federal entities who work together to monitor the health and survival of manatees.
This collaboration focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, releasing, and monitoring manatees that have been injured, fallen ill, or lost their mothers. The Columbus Zoo is proud to be one of only four facilities outside Florida that provide second-stage rehabilitation, offering a safe environment, expert veterinary care, and proper nutrition until the manatees are ready to return to the wild.
Recently Released: Nighthawk, Ashley, and CardiTee!
Every manatee in this release was once an orphan in need of rescue. After months—sometimes years—of dedicated rehabilitation both at the Columbus Zoo and with our partners in Florida, they’ve been given a second chance at life back in the Sunshine State!
To ensure their smooth transition, each manatee is equipped with a satellite tracking device. This allows experts to monitor their progress and make sure they’re thriving. The device is designed with several weak links, so if it ever gets snagged, it safely breaks away without harming the manatee.
Before they take their first big swim back into Florida waters, the manatees undergo a final health check, and their measurements are recorded. Then, with one last glance back (or sometimes none at all!), they glide into the water—ready for their next chapter.
We’re also excited to share that other Columbus Zoo alumni manatees are thriving in their native Florida waters! Thanks to the MRP and our friends at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, each of these manatees are visually checked on and tracked by satellite. They even post periodic updates on how they’re doing throughout the year, so even from Ohio, you can see their incredible progress and growth.
Let’s check up on a few other manatees who temporarily called the Columbus Zoo "home": Lizzie, MaryKate, Squirrel, and Scampi!
Lizzie: The Social Butterfly
Lizzie, rescued as an orphaned calf in 2020, made an impression at the Columbus Zoo with her playful personality. After being released at Blue Spring State Park in February 2024, she’s continued to charm both her manatee and humans alike.
In January 2025, Lizzie was spotted leisurely making her way through the Blue Spring run, taking her time to socialize with fellow manatees. She’s often seen near a fallen tree, interacting with other rehabilitated manatees like Clank and TinkTink. Though she’s been known to be persistent in making new friends—sometimes to the mild annoyance of her manatee companions—she’s found her place among the Blue Spring community. Whether she’s bottom-resting or joining a social gathering, Lizzie is proving to be a well-adjusted and thriving member of her manatee community.
MaryKate: The Explorer
MaryKate, another orphan calf rescued in 2021, was always one to balance relaxation with curiosity. Since her release, she’s been enjoying the best of both worlds in Blue Spring State Park.
On January 25, 2025, MaryKate took a short trip to the river, dipping her “toes” in before deciding that spring life suited her best. She prefers to bask in the sun near the shallows, socializing and resting in equal measure. While she’s still getting used to the hustle and bustle of the waters she shares, she’s adapting beautifully and taking her time settling in.
Squirrel: The Independent Spirit
Squirrel’s journey began in 2020 as an orphaned calf in the Atlantic Ocean. After a long road to recovery, she was released alongside Lizzie and MaryKate in February 2024.
She’s proving to be a confident and independent manatee, finding peaceful spots to rest when the waters get too crowded. Though she enjoys socializing, she’s also content to mill about on her own, taking in her surroundings and making careful choices about where to spend her time. She’s been seen with manatees, Lizzie and Churro, forming bonds that will help her navigate life.
A Success Story: Scampi
Scampi was one of our early rehabilitation success stories, released in February 2023. Two years later, she continues to thrive!
By April 2024, she was spotted feeding regularly and exploring her surroundings with confidence. In a move that speaks to her independent streak, Scampi even removed her tracking gear herself before her scheduled removal date—proving she’s fully capable of navigating Florida’s waters without assistance.
Stay safe, Scampi!
A Bright Future for Manatees
Thanks to your support, the Columbus Zoo has played a crucial role in rehabilitating and releasing manatees back into their native waters. While we miss seeing Lizzie, MaryKate, Squirrel, and Scampi in our care, knowing they’re thriving in Florida waters makes every effort worth it.
For those who fell in love with these manatees during their time at the Zoo, rest assured that they’re making the most of their second chance in their native waters. We’ll continue to share updates whenever possible, so stay tuned for more manatee success stories!
In the meantime, continue to visit the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center at the Columbus Zoo…one of only four centers of its kind outside of Florida!
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