> At a Glance
> – ZooTampa released 26 rehabilitated manatees back into Florida waters in 2025
> – This is the highest yearly release count in the zoo’s history
> – One survivor, Mudonna, more than doubled her weight in rehab
> – Why it matters: The milestone highlights ongoing efforts to save Florida’s threatened manatees amid rising deaths and habitat loss
ZooTampa at Lowry Park announced its biggest manatee release year on record, returning 26 rehabilitated animals to Florida waters during 2025 and spotlighting the critical work of the state’s busiest nonprofit critical-care center.
Record Release Year
The 26 releases top any previous single-year total since the zoo began rehabbing manatees in 1991, officials said in a Jan. 5 statement. Most of the more than 615 manatees cared for at the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center have returned to the wild.
Mudonna’s Comeback
Among the success stories is Mudonna, rescued in November 2024 after Hurricanes Helene and Milton left her stranded in ankle-deep, 30-degree water:
- Initial weight: 345 lb
- Release weight: over 700 lb
- Partners: Florida Fish and Wildlife, University of Florida Marine Rescue
Ongoing Threats
Florida manatees still face mounting challenges:
| Metric (2025) | Count |
|---|---|
| Total deaths | ~620 |
| Boat-strike injuries | 97 |
Federal and state laws protect manatees, but proposed rule changes could roll back some safeguards, the zoo noted.
Key Takeaways
- ZooTampa’s 26 releases mark a historic high for the facility
- The center operates 24/7 with two U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-certified vets
- A new Straz Family Manatee Rescue exhibit opens this spring, offering visitors underwater viewing
- Conservation partners stress that rescue, rehab, and public awareness remain vital as threats persist
The record release total underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to keep Florida’s manatee population afloat.
