Search
Close this search box.

Gulfarium to convert old dolphin habitat into new manatee rehabilitation ‘safe haven’

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.
Source: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

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.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“All the new WRONG WAY and Do Not Enter signs in the Racetrack Rd median look horrible and confuse everyone. Take them down!”
Respond
“Is this how FWB is "revitalizing" downtown. LOL”
Respond
“85 north was a mess. I left Wright at 6:15 pm going up Lewis Turner. Traffic started backing up about 1 mile before the intersection with 85, so I got...”
Respond
“Was this foul play? Cause of death? Didn't sound like he was dressed to go for a swim when last seen so I wonder why and how did he end...”
Respond
“This sounds like damage control right off??”
Respond
“FWB is dying and it brought it upon itself. The good ol boy system is still in place. We are nothing but a pass thru city. What a joke, these...”
Respond
“You forgot to add tattoo shops, thai restraunts, and smoke shops.”
Respond
“What is the update on this facility?”
Respond
“Another gas station. Just what this crappy city needs. Who is on charge of zoning this crap? All fwb is now is self storage, gas stations, and car washes, and...”
Respond
“It is my understanding that the Earnhardt foundation may be trying to push that track to NASCAR. Right now it features “ car-dominimums” and purchased lot of 440 acres”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.