For immediate release
Contact: Mercede New, 904-757-4463, ext. 211
 Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210

Rescued Manatee Mom and Calf Now Back “Home” in Jacksonville Waterways

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Assisted in Rescue and Release

June 4, 2009 – Jacksonville, FL –   On Thursday, May 28th, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Marine Mammal Rescue Team assisted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Sea World Orlando staff with the release of an adult female manatee and her calf into Julington Creek on the south side of Jacksonville. The female manatee, or cow, weighed over 1500 pounds, and the calf weighed 400 pounds.  The team watched as the two manatees swam westward and spotted them surfacing when coming up for air.

Both animals had been rescued from the St. Johns River initially by the same three teams when they were showing symptoms of cold water stress, which can be fatal.  The animals were transported from Jacksonville to Sea World’s critical care facility where they received rehabilitation care before being returned to Jacksonville for release.   

 “The Zoo’s Marine Mammal Rescue Team members help animals in Jacksonville’s own back yard, which is very rewarding” said Craig Miller, the Zoo’s mammal curator and Team coordinator.

 For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,500 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species. The Jacksonville Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  It is open year-round, seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  The Zoo is open until 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays from March to Labor Day.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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