The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Welcomes Two New Manatee Patients to Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has received two manatees for secondary care at the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. The young females, Sorbet and Juneau, were transferred from ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s critical care hospital and are beginning the next phase of their rehabilitation at the Museum. Manatees who are medically cleared after hospitalization are either released, if adults, or begin secondary care, if rescued as orphans.
“The Museum is happy to receive Sorbet and Juneau into secondary care. Helping the manatees continue the rehabilitation process and freeing up critical care space at our hospitals are the reasons we are here,” said Virginia Edmonds, Director of Animal Care at The Bishop. “It is a privilege to be able to perform this work at The Bishop.”
Both manatees were rescued this past winter and require continued care due to their young age and lack of experience in the wild. Orphan calves often miss crucial information about survival when they are separated from their mothers.
Sorbet, a 5-foot, 240-pound calf, was rescued from Crystal River in December 2025 after being identified as an orphan. Museum Animal Care staff are closely monitoring her behavior and eating habits as she transitions between care facilities.
Juneau, the larger of the two at 6 feet and 335 pounds, was rescued in St. Petersburg in January 2026. In addition to being orphaned, she was diagnosed with cold stress syndrome, a condition that can affect manatees exposed to prolonged cold-water temperatures. Juneau has a healthy appetite and inquisitive behavior. She is eating her way to a release goal weight of 600 pounds.
“The arrival of new manatees to start their rehabilitation journey at The Bishop is always a very special time for the staff and visitors alike,” stated Andrew Sandall, Chief Executive Officer at The Bishop. “We look forward to watching their progress over the next few months and seeing their personalities come out as our incredible Animal Care Team works to get them ready for release, and back living in the wild where they belong.”
Visitors to The Bishop can observe Sorbet and Juneau as they acclimate to their new environment and continue their recovery. Educational displays near the habitat provide insight into each manatee’s story, the rehabilitation process, and the steps required before release back into the wild.
Sorbet and Juneau are currently adjusting to their temporary home within the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat.
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Located in Bradenton, Florida, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It offers engaging exhibits, a state-of-the-art Planetarium, and the Mosaic Backyard Universe. It is also home to the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat.
The Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat at The Bishop is a vital Stage 2 rehabilitation facility. It provides essential, intermediate care for manatees after they have received initial emergency treatment at critical care hospitals. The primary focus is to facilitate their complete recovery, help them reach a healthy weight, and prepare them for an eventual return to their natural habitat in Florida’s waters.
