Sarasota News Events
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is excited to open its doors once again on November 22 to its informal science education center, Mote Aquarium, following an 8-week-long closure due to the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and is delighted to welcome a new rescued manatee named Lou into its family.
“I am pleased to announce that Mote Aquarium has overcome the unprecedented challenge of experiencing back-to-back hurricanes, in which our Aquarium infrastructure suffered severe water damage due to Hurricane Helene, and then just days after, suffered significant water and wind damage due to Hurricane Milton. In addition to reopening Mote Aquarium where we invite guests to learn why marine ecosystem conservation is imperative and catch up on Mote’s latest scientific breakthroughs, we are thrilled to invite everyone to meet the newest member of our Mote family Lou, who is a rescued manatee with a remarkable story highlighting resilience and the importance of manatee research and conservation,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Mote President & CEO.
While Mote Aquarium temporarily closed, Mote’s research, philanthropic and education efforts remained operational. Unfortunately, Mote’s Education & Outreach Center on Anna Maria City Pier is inaccessible by land therefore it remains closed to the public at this time.
Prior to the hurricanes, on September 11, 2024, Mote welcomed a rescued manatee, Lou, to its manatee habitat, including Buffett the manatee and a variety of fish species – a decision made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), in collaboration with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), which includes Mote. You can read more about the decision to introduce Lou to Mote’s manatee habitat here.
In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, an incredible effort was made to successfully relocate Lou and Buffett to a partner facility out of the direct forecasted path of the hurricane. Throughout the past week, Mote welcomed back Lou and Buffett, as well as other animals that had been transported off the island ahead of the hurricane.
The introduction of Lou and Buffett, Mote’s resident manatee, remains in the best interest of both animals and marks a significant step in Mote’s ongoing commitment to providing the best possible care for rescued marine animals.
Lou, a large adult male Florida manatee weighing 2100 pounds, was transferred to Mote in a specialized manatee transport vehicle. Since his arrival, Mote’s veterinary, hospital and animal care teams have meticulously followed a gradual introduction plan, reviewed and approved by USFWS and partner organizations. The transition went very well, as anticipated, and Mote’s animal care team will continue to closely monitor the manatees to help ensure compatibility.
“Mote is pleased to welcome Lou to our family and announce this significant step toward providing the best possible care for both Lou and Buffett,” said Dr. Crosby. “Both manatees are doing well thanks to the collaborative effort of Mote’s incredibly dedicated and experienced team of professional veterinary, hospital and animal care staff, and our partners including USFWS, FWC, and MRP.”
All facilities in the U.S., including Mote, that rehabilitate and/or house manatees must be approved and permitted by USFWS. USFWS has federal oversight of all manatees in human care, and is the entity that is ultimately responsible for decisions about manatee transfers and placement, in consultation with FWC and MRP. Mote will continue to work closely with USFWS, FWC, and MRP in regard to our shared goal of ensuring the highest quality of care for both manatees.
Meet Lou and Learn About the Importance of Manatee Rehab and Conservation
Lou was rescued in December 2000 following a severe boat strike, resulting in the loss of most of his tail. Based on ten years of Florida manatee necropsy reports examined by FWC, one out of every four adult carcasses show evidence of 10 or more watercraft strikes. With only 4% of adult manatees devoid of watercraft-related scars, it appears exceedingly common for an adult manatee to be struck multiple times in its life. This study shows that manatees are subjected to more sublethal watercraft strikes than any other studied marine mammal and it underscores the need for continued long-term vigilance in conservation actions in Florida.
After his rescue, Lou was rehabilitated and received dedicated care at two different MRP facilities. Unfortunately, neither Lou nor Buffett meet the requirements for release. Based on careful consideration and valuable expert input from the MRP, USFWS recently approved the transfer of Lou to be placed with Buffett as a companion at Mote. The USFWS recommends that these manatees remain in Mote’s expert-managed guardianship to ensure Lou and Buffett receive the best possible care to support their long-term health and well-being.
Mote is dedicated to manatee conservation and for over 30 years has been involved in a host of research efforts involving manatee behavioral ecology, abundance and distribution, and population demographics, as well as habitat studies. This research provides timely, scientific-based information to guide conservation policy and management. Mote Aquarium helps efforts to inform the public on ways to better protect manatees.
Additionally, Mote’s Stranding Investigations Research Program provides 24-hour response to sick, injured and deceased marine mammals and sea turtles within the coastal waters of Southwest Florida, mainly in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The program also offers logistical support to state biologists, including FWC, in the verification and rescue of sick, injured or deceased manatees.
“Mote is a global non-profit with nearly 70 years of advancing marine science, technology and greater public understanding of our oceans through innovative research, education, and outreach,” said Dr. Crosby. “Through Mote Aquarium, the public outreach arm of our mission, we look forward to providing expert care for Lou and Buffett while also sharing the story of Lou’s rescue and rehabilitation to help the public better understand the importance of science-based conservation policy and management of these gentle yet vulnerable giants.”
Lou and Buffett’s Compatibility Journey
Planning Buffett’s future has been a complex process involving many partners and factors. Challenges in determining placement for manatees include: compatibility of animals, management of adult male manatees, and space limitations within manatee facilities since most are full of manatees being rehabilitated. Other factors that contributed to this decision can be found here.
Ensuring that both animals would benefit from the companionship was imperative, which is why the compatibility of the two animals is a top priority for all involved partners. Some of the factors that led to the determination that Lou is a compatible companion for Buffett include his size, gender, and behavior.
USFWS, FWC, and MRP engaged in numerous discussions while determining the best path forward for both animals. This decision reflects the dedicated efforts and collaboration of all parties involved to foster optimal care and companionship for both manatees.
Ensuring the Best Care for Lou and Buffett
Mote’s recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection on May 21, 2024, found Mote to be in full compliance with all USDA animal care regulations, with Buffett in good health and condition. Mote continues to exceed the standards set by the USDA and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), working tirelessly with all partners to ensure the highest quality care from Mote’s experienced veterinarians, hospital, animal care biologists and life support staff. This Mote team has been closely monitoring the behavior and health of both Buffett and Lou during their introduction to each other, aiming to ensure a smooth acclimation for both animals. Separation protocols have been put in place in the event the manatees need to be separated at any point. This rigorous monitoring and behavior protocol adherence is part of Mote’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and safety for these manatees.
