This is so heartbreaking...last year, over 1000 manatees died in Florida, and many of them died of malnutrition/starvation. The red tide from a few years ago, coupled with chemical runoff from fertilizers and pesticides have destroyed many seagrass areas, and when the seagrass dies, the manatees have nothing to eat.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is working on a new manatee rehab area to help these animals! The enclosure that used to be used for Winter the Dophin (who passed away last year) is being repurposed as a manatee rehab facility.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is joining statewide efforts to stem the rise in manatee deaths by creating a three-phased plan that includes opening more rehabilitation pools and eventually a new manatee hospital.
“What a wonderful legacy for Winter to have provided us who we are now and the opportunity to be able to do something like that,” said Dr James Powell at CMA. “It’s building on the foundation and legacy of Winter…and we’re just doing more and inspiring and educating people along the way.”
You can read more about the project HERE.
Photo: Getty Images