Three orphaned manatees get a foster mom as they start rehabilitation at Ohio zoo
Three young manatees who were rescued from distress are now safe under the care of an Ohio zoo — and a foster mom.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell revealed Sept. 22 that it had taken in three water cows for the second leg of their rehabilitation after being rescued.
“Meet Vora, Lilypad, and Orchid – our newest manatee guests,” the zoo said in a Facebook post.
“These three orphaned manatees just made the trip north from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and have safely arrived at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.”
The zoo is already rehabbing three other manatees named Clawford, Sabal and Cobble, who are under the care of a momma manatee, Stubby, who will be the foster mother to all six.
“All six of these younger manatees were rescued from Florida waters after facing life-threatening challenges,” the zoo said.
“As a second stage rehabilitation facility, the care we provide to them during their stay in Ohio helps give them time to recover, grow, and prepare for their eventual return to their native waters in Florida.”
While manatees have no natural predators hunting them, their existence is threatened by human activities, such as boating, the zoo says. They’ve also been known to get caught up in fishing gear, which can injure or kill them.
Momma manatee, who is a permanent resident at the zoo, was a victim of human hobbies.
“Stubby, who is conditionally non-releasable due to injuries from a boat strike, plays an important role in their care, serving as a calm and steady presence for these youngsters,” the zoo says.
The zoo notes that the manatee guests are busy “getting to know each other,” but the public is able to view them.
Powell is about a 15-mile drive north from Columbus.
This story was originally published September 23, 2025 at 1:57 PM with the headline "Three orphaned manatees get a foster mom as they start rehabilitation at Ohio zoo."