Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has announced a partnership with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) to provide a safe haven for manatees transitioning from critical care to readiness for release back into the wild.

• This collaboration aims to address the alarming mortality rates of manatees in Florida, which have been primarily attributed to human activities such as boat strikes, flood gates, and entanglement in debris.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), 556 manatees have perished in the state in 2023 alone, with 89 falling victim to boat strikes.

“Our commitment to conservation efforts now includes manatee rehabilitation and release initiatives,” said Patrick Berry, Vice President and COO of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. “Through our partnership with MRP and the support of our community, we aim to turn the tide on manatee mortality rates and ensure a brighter future for these gentle creatures.”

To support this mission, the Gulfarium is embarking on a significant habitat renovation project, converting the resident dolphins’ former 300,000-gallon main habitat into a specialized space for long-term rescued manatees.

• The renovation includes enhancements such as new windows, a medical/husbandry area, natural theming, modifications to Life Support Systems (LSS) equipment, and resting ledges tailored to the needs of rescued manatees.

The project, expected to be completed this fall, is supported by a $2.4 million grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “We are thrilled to embark on this renovation project, which marks a significant milestone for our facility, our local community, and overall manatee conservation,” added Berry.

Updates on the project can be found at www.Gulfarium.com/manatees.