AssetID: 54213187
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Orphaned Manatees Go To Lettuce Rehab And Grow, Grow, Grow
Caption: Orphaned Manatees Go To Lettuce Rehab And Grow, Grow, Grow. Cincinnati Zoo has some new damp, rotund residents as the latest batch of manatees in need of a bit of rehab and loving care have arrived at its Manatee Springs rehabilitation centre. Lilypad, Orchid, both sadly orphans, and Vora arrived there to replace Nolia, Amethyst, and Waffles, who are now ready for their next chapter after reaching a suitable weight for release. The zoo's dedicated manatee rehabilitation team will care for the new trio. “It's incredibly rewarding to see the manatees that we care for return to their natural environment,” said Lindsay Garrett, head keeper of the North America department. “While it's exciting to meet and care for new manatees, it's also sad to see a constant stream of injured and orphaned animals in need of rescue and rehabilitation.” Cincinnati Zoo provides a safe environment where manatees are fed on lettuce, and receive veterinary care until they are strong enough to be returned to the wild. As one of the few facilities outside Florida offering non-critical care for manatees, the zoo's efforts also allow Midwestern visitors to learn about these fascinating animals. With these arrivals, the Cincinnati Zoo will have cared for 32 manatees since it began its involvement in the MRP programme in 1999. The manatees are not the only new attractions at Manatee Springs. They are joined by their pals, two alligator gars named Dolly Garton and Busta Slimes.
Keywords: Natural world,Orphaned,Manatees,Lettuce,Rehab,Grow,Cincinnati Zoo,damp,batch,need,care,Manatee Springs,rehabilitation,centre,Lilypad,Orchid,Vora,orphans,zoo,natural,environment,keeper,animals,rescue,habitat,Midwestern,visitors,MRP,programme
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