Manatee Arthur released back into water in Crystal River after 19 months of healing at ZooTampa
ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa, Florida, August 29, 2025
Manstee Arthur arrived at ZooTampa in January 2024 after being rescued from Crystal River, Florida, suffering from severe cold stress lesions. To make matters worse, he also had a bone infection that required intensive care and ongoing treatment from their animal care and animal health teams.
Thanks to the specialized medical attention Arthur received at ZooTampa's David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, Arthur eventually recovered from both his cold stress lesions and bone infection. After a long journey of recovery spanning about a year and seven months, Arthur was finally cleared for release back into the springs where he was rescued, so long ago!
If you see a distressed manatee, say something! Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-FWCC if you encounter a sick or injured manatee in the wild. Become an integral part of ZooTampa's manatee rescue mission and help save manatees like Arthur!