TAMPA – ZooTampa at Lowry Park released a record 26 rehabilitated manatees back into Florida waters in 2025.
Its David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center has cared for over 615 manatees since 1991, with the majority successfully returned to their natural habitat.
ZooTampa will unveil the Straz Family Manatee Rescue in the spring as part of the new Florida Waters expansion. The facility will offer visitors immersive, eye-level underwater views of manatees, providing a unique opportunity to witness the zoo’s life-saving efforts firsthand.
The nonprofit spends nearly $2 million each year to save manatees and educates 1.2 million visitors and students annually about local and global wildlife conservation efforts.
