SeaWorld Orlando Moves 4 Manatees To Ohio For Treatment – CBS Miami

ORLANDO (CBSMiami/AP) – Four young manatees were flown from Florida to Ohio for treatment.

SeaWorld Orlando has moved manatees to free up space to treat the many endangered cetaceans that are dying out in Florida at an alarming rate.

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SeaWorld said DHL Express shipped manatees from the rescue and rehabilitation center to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Saturday. DHL donated its services, including flights.

SeaWorld said it received a record number of manatees in need of treatment at their center, one of only five manatee critical care facilities in the US More than 1,000 manatees died in Florida in 2021, Mostly due to hunger. Water pollution from agricultural, urban and other sources has caused algal blooms that decimate the seagrass beds inhabited by manatees.

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SeaWorld said in a statement: “This transport is necessary to make more room for rescued manatees in need of urgent care. “The animals will be cared for until they gain enough weight to return to Florida waters when conditions are favorable.”

DHL ships manatees in individually packed containers and they are monitored throughout the flight by a Columbus Zoo veterinarian. Its aquarium is one of only two facilities outside of Florida that treat manatees.

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