Six orphaned manatees at Columbus Zoo prepare to return to Florida for release into wild

Six young manatees being cared for at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are preparing to return to Florida to complete their rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.

Zoo officials announced on social media Nov. 8 that the manatees — named Cobble, Clawford, Sabal, Vora, Lilypad and Orchid — have reached healthy goal weights and are ready for transfer to partner rehabilitation facilities in Florida.

The move is scheduled to take place this week aboard a specialized transport plane accompanied by members of the zoo’s Shores and Aquarium team.

Three of the manatees have been housed in Powell since September, while the others were temporarily relocated from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during construction on that facility’s manatee habitat. All six were orphaned in the wild and have undergone long-term care as part of the national Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership.

Once in Florida, the manatees will continue monitoring and conditioning before being released into coastal waters, zoo officials said in the post.

The Columbus Zoo is one of only a few facilities outside Florida licensed to care for manatees, a species classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

The zoo’s resident manatee, Stubby, will remain at the Manatee Coast habitat and is expected to serve as a “foster” companion for the next group of orphaned calves arriving from Florida in the coming weeks.

Visitors may see the manatees through the weekend before their departure, according to the zoo.