POWELL, Ohio — Six orphaned manatees that spent the past year recovering at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden have successfully returned to Florida to complete their rehabilitation and prepare for release back into their native waters.
The transfer, part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), marks the culmination of more than two years of collaboration among multiple institutions across the country. On November 9, 2025, the manatees were transported in custom-built containers from Ohio to Florida aboard a specially scheduled DHL cargo flight, with animal care teams accompanying them every step of the way.
In exchange, six new orphaned manatees—three each for the Columbus and Cincinnati zoos—arrived in Ohio on the return flight to continue their recovery.
“Manatee transfers demonstrate the dedication of the various organizations that comprise the MRP and their unwavering commitment to saving this incredible Florida species,” said Tiffany Burns, Senior Director of Animal Programs at ZooTampa and President of the MRP. “It truly takes a village to protect this threatened species.”
Ohio’s Role in Manatee Conservation
The Columbus and Cincinnati zoos are two of only a handful of facilities outside of Florida authorized to provide second-stage rehabilitation for manatees. These programs offer rescued animals food, medical care, and a safe environment to gain strength before they can return to the wild.
“Seeing the manatees we’ve cared for return to their natural waters in Florida is the best outcome and the goal we’ve been working toward all year,” said Lindsay Garrett, head keeper of the North America department at the Cincinnati Zoo. “Each release is the result of months of dedication and teamwork.”
The Returning Manatees
The six manatees that departed Ohio included:
- Clawford (female) → SeaWorld Orlando
- Sabal (female) → Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Cobble (male) → The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT
- Vora (female) → Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Orchid (female) → Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Lilypad (female) → SeaWorld Orlando
Each animal had been rescued as an orphaned calf in Florida before being transported to Ohio for continued care. All six arrived safely in Florida and are adjusting well to their new surroundings.
New Arrivals to Ohio
As part of the same operation, six young manatees in need of continued rehabilitation made the reverse journey to Ohio.
At the Columbus Zoo, newcomers Noface, Redrock, and Rosalyn joined longtime resident Stubby, a non-releasable manatee who has become a nurturing “surrogate mother” to new arrivals.
The Cincinnati Zoo welcomed three males—Slushie, Hundo, and Alfred—who will remain in Ohio until they are ready to return to Florida.
“Each partner plays a vital role, from caring for individual animals to addressing the broader challenges manatees face in Florida’s waterways,” said Becky Ellsworth, curator of the Columbus Zoo’s Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. “Together, we’re making a real difference for this species.”
A Continuing Commitment
Since 1999, the Columbus Zoo has returned 42 manatees to Florida, while the Cincinnati Zoo has cared for 35 and released 28. Partners like SeaWorld Orlando and ZooTampa have treated hundreds more, helping offset population declines caused by red tide, habitat loss, boat strikes, and other threats.
DHL Express played a key role in the most recent transfer, providing climate-controlled cargo transport and accompanying veterinarians to ensure the animals’ safety.
“Transporting these manatees safely back to Florida is more than a logistics mission—it’s an act of care for an endangered species,” said Laurice Bancroft, SVP of Network Operations for DHL Express Americas.
The manatees will remain at partner facilities in Florida until they are ready to be released into the same regions where they were rescued, completing a journey that began with their first rescue as vulnerable orphans.
