The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has received three new arrivals for secondary rehabilitation. Young female manatees named Mandalore, Crane, and Kyber. Their arrival at the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat marks the next phase in their recovery process.

“It is important that the manatees feel comfortable in their new environment,” states Virginia Edmonds, Director of Animal Care at The Bishop. “We give them every consideration that you would to a human who is adjusting to a major change in their life. The ability to thrive and meet growth milestones equates to a timely return to the wild.”

Critical Care, considered the first rehabilitation stage, focuses on medical needs and helping manatees recover from injury or illness. Adult manatees with the greatest knowledge of the wild return when medically cleared. Naïve animals with limited understanding of the wild move to the next step of rehabilitation, secondary care. 

Mandalore is an orphaned calf rescued from Blue Springs in Orange City in February. When she was rescued, she weighed 180 pounds and is now 320 pounds.

Kyber is also an orphaned calf who suffered from prolonged exposure to cold water. Rescued from Crystal River, she weighed 200 pounds and now weighs 310 pounds.

The largest of the three, Crane, is recovering from cold stress syndrome. Crane was rescued from Crane’s Bayou near Longboat Key. At the time of rescue, she weighed 355 pounds and now weighs 450 pounds.

“It’s always a big day when we get new arrivals to the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, with these three joining the list of over 50 manatees we have cared for and returned to the wild,” says Andrew Sandall, Chief Executive Officer at The Bishop. “It’s a privilege to play such a key role in the conservation of this majestic species, and I’m so proud of our team here for their passion and commitment to making sure these manatees get the best care possible during their time with us.”

Visitors to The Bishop can observe these manatees as they continue rehabilitation. This provides an opportunity to learn about the challenges these animals face. Informational displays near the viewing areas will provide details about their individual cases, the rehabilitation process, and the physical requirements for release. 

Mandalore, Crane, and Kyber are currently acclimating to their temporary environment within the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat.###

Located in Bradenton, Florida, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It offers engaging exhibits, a state-of-the-art Planetarium, and the Mosaic Backyard Universe. It is also home to the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat.

The Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat at The Bishop is a vital Stage 2 rehabilitation facility. It provides essential, intermediate care for manatees after they have received initial emergency treatment at critical care hospitals. The primary focus is facilitating their complete recovery, helping them reach a healthy weight, and preparing them for an eventual return to their natural habitat in Florida’s waters. The Bishop is a member of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, Inc.