January 26, 2025

St. Petersburg Welcomes New Manatee Resident Enzo

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News Summary

St. Petersburg, Florida, proudly introduces Enzo, a manatee recovering from cold stress at ZooTampa. Rescued from the frigid waters, he receives expert care and compassionate support. With the help of dedicated staff, Enzo is on his way to recovery, serving as a reminder of the importance of rescuing distressed manatees during the winter months.

St. Petersburg Welcomes New Resident: Manatee Recovering From Cold Stress

In the lovely city of St. Petersburg, Florida, a special new resident has made headlines this week. Meet Enzo, a sweet and gentle manatee who was rescued after being found in a state of distress due to the chilly waters that have been affecting our area this winter. Enzo’s journey to recovery is taking place at ZooTampa, and he is getting some much-needed TLC from dedicated staff members.

Enzo’s Rescue: A Heartwarming Story

Enzo’s adventure began near the campus of the University of South Florida when he was discovered suffering from cold stress. For those unfamiliar, cold stress occurs when manatees find themselves in water temperatures that dip below a safe threshold. When submerged in such frigid waters for extended periods, they can experience severe health complications, making timely rescue efforts critical. That’s exactly what happened in this case, and thankfully, compassionate individuals were there to help Enzo.

Expert Care at ZooTampa

Upon his arrival at ZooTampa, it quickly became clear that Enzo was in need of special care. Zoo officials confirmed that this gentle marine giant is receiving around-the-clock care that includes being placed in a heated pool. This heated environment is crucial in helping to gradually restore his core body temperature to a healthy level.

Alongside the warmth, Enzo is being provided with essential electrolytes and nutritious food. These elements are all part of a carefully tailored recovery plan designed to rejuvenate him. As he recuperates, Enzo has also been given the company of fellow manatees who are similarly on their recovery journeys. Having friends around during difficult times can make all the difference, even for manatees!

A Busy Season for ZooTampa

Winter is proving to be a particularly busy season at ZooTampa. The increase in manatee rescues this year, including Enzo, reflects a concerning trend. It’s important to highlight that many manatees have found themselves in distressing situations due to chilling temperatures as winter rolls in. 2024 has brought a wave of rescues, with zoo staff actively responding to the many manatees needing help.

Manatees and Their Habitat Needs

As the temperature drops, manatees often seek refuge in places with warm water. The TECO Manatee Viewing Center, for example, has become a temporary home for these gentle giants searching for a comfortable spot away from the cold. It’s vital for manatees to locate these warmer waters to avoid the perils of cold stress.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stresses that prolonged exposure to water temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit can prove harmful to manatees. Symptoms of cold stress can be alarming and include issues such as skin bleaching, visible abscesses, unresolved sores, and even significant weight loss. If you spot manatees that seem to be away from warmer waters, especially during colder months, it’s essential to alert authorities as they may need rescue.

Hope for Enzo

As Enzo rests and recovers at ZooTampa, everyone involved remains hopeful for this gentle giant’s future. His resilience serves as a reminder of the impact of human intervention and the importance of protecting these incredible creatures. With the right care and a little bit of luck, Enzo will continue on the path to recovery, ready to swim freely in the warm waters of Florida again.