New manatee arrives at Cincinnati Zoo | News

AVONDALE, OH (FOX19) - The Cincinnati Zoo welcomed a their newest addition on Friday; a 900-pound, two-year-old manatee.

“Woodstock,” a young, female manatee traveled by truck down the long stretch of Interstate 71 South, to her new home in Cincinnati.  She was escorted by Cincinnati Zoo Director of Animal Health, Dr. Mark Campbell, Head Manatee Keeper Jamey Vogel, and Curator of Mammals, Mike Dulaney.  Staff worked to monitor Woodstock during the trip and ensured her safe and calm arrival.  

“Without a doubt, manatees are one of the most charismatic creatures and certainly one of the Zoo’s most popular animals,” said Thane Maynard, Director of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.  “We are extremely proud to be part of this conservation.

Woodstock was born in the wild and rescued off the Southwest coast of Florida on January 7, 2011.  She and her mother were victims of cold-stress. Woodstock was orphaned when her mother did not survive. Woodstock spent time at the Miami Seaquarium prior to going to the Columbus Zoo on November 2, 2011 and she is coming to Cincinnati to provide companionship for the Zoo’s current, lone female manatee, “Betsy.”

The Cincinnati Zoo is one of only two facilities outside of Florida to participate in the USFWS’ Manatee Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Program.'

 Both Woodstock and Betsy are already on display in Manatee Springs.

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