Every year, World Ocean Day is celebrated on June 8, dedicated to helping spread awareness about how our actions impact the ocean and the animals that live in and rely on it, and find ways to help protect it.
Less than 17% of land worldwide and less than 8% of the ocean is protected. Even in Central Ohio, oceans are vital to our everyday lives, as they produce over half of the world’s oxygen and regulate our climate and weather patterns. A healthy ocean is key to a healthy planet. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is dedicated to conserving ocean-dwelling species through various partnerships and projects, including the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) and the Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project.
Manatee Rehabilitation
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has been part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) since 1997, and we have rehabbed 39 total manatees. The “Aquatic Queen of the Zoo” and resident manatee surrogate mother, Stubby, is currently helping to rehabilitate eight juvenile manatees (Scampi, Squirrel, Acorn, Einstein, Lizzo, Cardi-Tee, MaryKate, and Ashley) that live in Manatee Coast.
Although manatees are large, they are herbivores and munch on many kinds of seagrasses in their natural habitat. The manatees in our care receive romaine and endive lettuce as part of their diet. Because they eat such a high volume of lettuce, they are one of the most expensive animals to feed at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Helpful Tip:
Remember on this World Ocean Day and every day that manatees live in warm, shallow waters, so if you find yourself in a manatee habitat, please keep your boat at a low speed and look out for these sea cows slowly grazing. If you don’t live near the coast, there are still things you can do to help! By reducing the use of fertilizers in your lawns and gardens, you can prevent the harmful algae blooms in the ocean that may harm many sea-dwelling animals and the food they need to survive.
Coral Reef Restoration
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has been a supporter of SECORE International since its inception in 2002 and recently has been involved in the Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project.
The Florida Coral Reef Tract is the largest barrier reef that runs along the Florida coast and it needs our help! The Florida Reef Tract is succumbing to the stony coral tissue loss disease that has spread over 93 miles in 4+ years and has a nearly 100% mortality rate. (It is one of the most lethal coral disease outbreaks in the world.)
An essential aspect of this project is the rescue of 5,000 corals comprised of 22 species ahead of the disease in order for them to be used for future restoration of the Florida Coral Reef Tract. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium currently has 16 out of the 19 original coral colonies that we received in March of 2020. We also have seven large-sized fragments of some of the corals, increasing our number to 23 coral colonies! In addition, we have several gemmae (12+), which is a mode of asexual reproduction in the coral where tissue buds off the parent colony.
Helpful Tips:
There are some simple ways that all of us can protect coral reefs. Sunscreen is a must, especially on hot summer days, so be sure to think about the ocean and use reef-friendly sunscreen.
If you find yourself diving or snorkeling in the ocean, it is recommended to inspect, decontaminate, and clean your gear. Be sure to remove any debris before entering or re-entering the ocean.
Other Helpful Tips to Protect Our Ocean
On World Ocean Day and every day, consider helping the world’s ocean with small changes in your daily routine by recycling, avoiding single-use plastics, and organizing local cleanups along waterways. If the sea lions in our care can recycle with ease, so can you!
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also participate in the Plastic Free Ecochallenge. Participation in this month-long initiative is free and open to everyone, and we encourage you to sign up and join us.
