POWELL, Ohio — In a major coordinated effort to safeguard Florida’s threatened manatee population, four rescued manatees left Ohio facilities this week for final rehabilitation in Florida, while six new arrivals took their place at the Columbus and Cincinnati zoos.
The carefully timed transfers, completed between Oct. 12 and Oct. 14, reflect the ongoing efforts of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP)—a coalition of non-profit, private, state, and federal organizations dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, and release operations.
Key Takeaways from the Transfers
- Four Manatees Returned to Florida: Three females from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Redrock, Rosalyn, and Erie) arrived safely at Brevard Zoo’s East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) Manatee Rehabilitation Center. One male from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Hundo) was transported to Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. All four are entering the final stage of rehabilitation ahead of anticipated winter releases.
- Six New Calves Arrived in Ohio: Six orphaned calves previously in critical care at SeaWorld Orlando were flown to Ohio for second-stage rehabilitation. Columbus Zoo welcomed three females (Celine, Poplin, and Gingham), while Cincinnati Zoo welcomed three males (Smidge, Tuglet, and Zimomo).
- Extensive Logistics Partnership: The interstate transfer involved ground transport by specially equipped zoo vehicles and air transportation via DHL Express, using custom foam-lined, temperature-controlled containers to ensure animal safety during transit.
Restoring Florida’s Manatee Population
Manatees face severe threats in their native habitats, including boat strikes, cold stress, red tide, and widespread loss of seagrass. Through the MRP network, acute-care facilities handle initial veterinary emergencies, while secondary institutions like the Columbus and Cincinnati zoos provide intermediate housing and growth monitoring until the animals are large and strong enough for release.
“The MRP and the organizations it is comprised of are honored to play such a crucial role in manatee rescue and rehabilitation. These transfers are a culmination of the dedication and expertise of the experienced professionals that make up the MRP.”
— Patrick Berry, President of the MRP
At the Columbus Zoo, the new arrivals will join Stubby, a conditionally non-releasable resident manatee who frequently acts as a surrogate mother to young calves during their stay.
Detailed Roster of Transferred Manatees
1. Transferred from Ohio to Florida (Final Rehab Phase)
| Name | Sex | Rescue Date & Location | Rescue Weight | Transfer Weight | Destination |
| Redrock | Female | May 10, 2024 — Indian River Lagoon, FL | 49 lbs | 528 lbs | Brevard Zoo |
| Rosalyn | Female | Dec. 2, 2024 — Banana River, FL | 50 lbs | 624 lbs | Brevard Zoo |
| Erie | Female | Jan. 9, 2025 — DeSoto Canal, FL | 110 lbs | 648 lbs | Brevard Zoo |
| Hundo | Male | March 11, 2025 — Crystal River, FL | 119 lbs | 546 lbs | Jacksonville Zoo |
2. Transferred from SeaWorld Orlando to Ohio (Intermediate Rehab)
| Name | Sex | Rescue Date & Location | Rescue Weight | Current Weight | Ohio Facility |
| Celine | Female | Aug. 10, 2025 — Indian River, FL | 48.5 lbs | 420 lbs | Columbus Zoo |
| Poplin | Female | Dec. 29, 2025 — Blue Spring Run, FL | 101 lbs | 304 lbs | Columbus Zoo |
| Gingham | Female | Feb. 3, 2026 — Eau Gallie River, FL | 133 lbs | 317 lbs | Columbus Zoo |
| Tuglet | Male | March 15, 2025 — Banana River, FL | 42 lbs | 365 lbs | Cincinnati Zoo |
| Smidge | Male | April 15, 2025 — Key Largo, FL | 43 lbs | 353 lbs | Cincinnati Zoo |
| Zimomo | Male | May 27, 2025 — St. Augustine, FL | 47 lbs | 368 lbs | Cincinnati Zoo |
Long-Term Impact
Since opening its rehabilitation facility in 1999, the Columbus Zoo has helped return 45 manatees to Florida waters. During the same period, the Cincinnati Zoo has cared for 38 manatees, successfully contributing to the release of 31. The latest transfers mark another step in ongoing multi-state conservation efforts aimed at protecting the species.
