The center has become just the fourth in the state capable of providing a high level of rescue, research and medical care.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — History is being made this week at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where the new Manatee Rehabilitation Center has officially opened to the public.
The facility is expected to play a crucial role in helping manatees survive.
“I like seeing behind-the-scenes and all the medical stuff. How they treat the animals — that’s really cool,” said Marshall Rose, visiting the new rehab center.
CMA’s Manatee Rehabilitation Center has become just the fourth in the state capable of providing a high level of rescue, research and medical care.
“Remember, these are patients. These are not manatees on display. We take care of them like they’re in a hospital because they’re going to go back down into the water,” said CMA’s Chief Zoological Officer, James “Buddy” Howell.
The first two residents of the 80,000-gallon tank are Yeti …