This photo provided by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium shows Stubby, right, greets Agua, the new 18-month-old female manatee that arrived at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Columbus Zoo officials say Agua arrived Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, from Tampa’s Lowery Park Zoo. She had been in Tampa since June 2016 after her mother was struck by a boat. ( Columbus Zoo and Aquarium via AP)
September 30, 2017 - 10:22 AM
POWELL, Ohio - An 18-month-old female manatee has arrived at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from a zoo in Tampa, Florida.
Columbus Zoo officials say Agua arrived Friday from Tampa's Lowery Park Zoo. She had been in Tampa since June 2016 after her mother was struck by a boat. The mother died two months later.
Zoo officials say Agua wasn't injured but has required extra care after being orphaned at a young age. She will be released into Florida waters after her Columbus rehabilitation stint is completed.
Agua joins five other manatees in the zoo's 300,000-gallon Manatee Coast exhibit, which includes a rare set of twins.
The Columbus Zoo is part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership and provides the second stage of rehabilitation before animals are released into the wild.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017