Cincinnati Zoo Welcomes Three Rescued Manatees
Smidge, Tuglet, and Zimomo have arrived at the zoo for specialized rehabilitation before their eventual return to Florida.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Cincinnati Zoo has officially welcomed three orphaned manatees, Smidge, Tuglet, and Zimomo, into its care. These animals transferred from SeaWorld Orlando to undergo rehabilitation before being released back into native Florida waters.
Why it matters
As a partner in the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, the facility provides the veterinary care and nutrition necessary for manatees to reach the size and strength required for survival in the wild. This support is vital for maintaining the population of the species.
The Cincinnati Zoo has treated 38 manatees since joining the partnership, contributing to the recovery of a species with a population of at least 13,000. These specific animals are fed a diet of lettuce as part of their rehabilitation protocol.
The players
Cincinnati Zoo
This facility serves as a second-stage rehabilitation site for rescued manatees within the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership.
SeaWorld Orlando
This organization is a major zoological facility that provides initial rescue and medical stabilization for marine life.
The details
The newcomers, Tuglet, Smidge, and Zimomo, join existing zoo residents Slushie and Alfred in the Manatee Springs pool. The Cincinnati Zoo functions as a second-stage rehabilitation facility, where the animals continue their recovery process.
Timeline
March 15, 2025: Tuglet was rescued from Cocoa Beach.
April 15, 2025: Smidge was rescued from Key Largo.
May 27, 2025: Zimomo was rescued from St. Augustine.
October 2026: The three manatees arrived at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Culture Shift
This effort reflects the transition toward intensive, multi-facility wildlife rehabilitation programs aimed at supporting recovering species. It follows the pattern set by the 2017 reclassification of manatees from endangered to threatened status.
Visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo can now see the three new manatees alongside existing residents in the Manatee Springs pool. This provides a unique educational opportunity for the local community to observe the rehabilitation process firsthand.
The takeaway
The arrival of these rescued animals highlights the critical role zoos play in the long-term success of wildlife recovery. Rehabilitation is a lengthy process that requires significant resources to ensure these manatees can eventually thrive in their native environment.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation efforts in our Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLWT5.
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