ZooTampa at Lowry Park has set a new record by releasing 26 rehabilitated manatees into Florida waters in 2025, marking the highest number of releases in the zoo’s history. The achievement highlights ZooTampa’s role in the conservation of manatees and its partnership within the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership.
The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center at ZooTampa is recognized as the largest nonprofit facility dedicated to manatee care in the United States. Since opening in 1991, it has cared for over 615 manatees, most of which have been successfully returned to their natural environment.
The program relies on a team of veterinarians, including two certified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for manatee critical care, along with animal care professionals who are available around the clock.
In spring 2026, ZooTampa plans to open the Straz Family Manatee Rescue as part of its Florida Waters expansion. This new facility will feature underwater viewing areas that allow visitors to observe manatees up close and learn more about conservation efforts.
ZooTampa’s work is considered vital as Florida’s manatee population continues to face threats such as sea grass loss and injuries from boats. In 2025 alone, more than 620 manatees died statewide, with 97 deaths attributed to boat strikes.
As a nonprofit organization, ZooTampa allocates nearly $2 million each year toward saving manatees and educates approximately 1.2 million visitors and students annually about wildlife conservation.
“Nineteen manatees continue to receive critical care,” according to information provided by ZooTampa.
