Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa 4. Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park in Homosassa 5. Currently, over 50 manatees are cared for at these facilities. This group reviews needs and plans transfers, releases and manatee research. Information about captive husbandry, medical status and potential release assessment is also influenced by the group.
Many manatees recover quickly and are released into sites in the general vicinity of the rescue.
However, the number of manatees being cared for continues to increase due to more orphaned, injured, or sick animals rescued than are rehabilitated and released. As a result of the need for additional rehabilitation space, facilities outside of Florida, including the Columbus Zoo, will care for the marine mammal.