In Jacksonville, Florida, the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens opened a new area where visitors can see manatees up close—and where some manatees can also receive care when they are sick or hurt. The new space includes the VyStar SkyScape and a habitat called Manatee River.
This is more than a place to look at animals. It’s designed to support rescue and recovery, kind of like a “sea-cow hospital” where manatees can rest, get stronger, and—when it’s safe—return to the wild.
Manatees are gentle, slow swimmers that spend lots of time eating watery plants. Because they move calmly, busy waterways can be risky for them, which is why rescue teams, veterinarians, and animal-care experts work together to help.
When a zoo includes rescue work, visitors can learn to think like helpers too: What do manatees need to stay healthy, and how can people protect their habitats? Watching with care and learning the reasons behind the work can turn a visit into a community-style team effort for animals.
This is more than a place to look at animals. It’s designed to support rescue and recovery, kind of like a “sea-cow hospital” where manatees can rest, get stronger, and—when it’s safe—return to the wild.
Manatees are gentle, slow swimmers that spend lots of time eating watery plants. Because they move calmly, busy waterways can be risky for them, which is why rescue teams, veterinarians, and animal-care experts work together to help.
When a zoo includes rescue work, visitors can learn to think like helpers too: What do manatees need to stay healthy, and how can people protect their habitats? Watching with care and learning the reasons behind the work can turn a visit into a community-style team effort for animals.