Our Florida manatees are housed in a 120,000 gallon freshwater tank. The manatee tank uses a reverse-flow sand and gravel filtration system, which is capable of pumping 4,000 gallons per minute. The entire volume of water in the tank can be filtered twice every hour. Back-up filters and sterilizers ensure water quality.
Computerized sensors monitor water quality and temperature.
Alarms immediately alert Zoo staff if there is a problem. Mark Alexander Medical Tank Zoo veterinarians can examine our manatees in the Med Tank with the assistance of a hydraulic floor, which lifts the animals out of the water. If needed for medical reasons, the animals can be isolated in the Med Tank, which has a separate filtration system. Our manatees feed throughout the day, although they receive large meals each morning and afternoon.