Three Rescued Manatees Recovering at Bishop Museum with Goal of Returning to the Wild
Three young manatees are receiving specialized care at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton as part of their rehabilitation journey, with hopes of being released back into their natural habitat within the next year.
The trio — named Mandalore, Kyber, and Crane — were rescued from different parts of Florida and brought to the Bishop’s Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, a designated secondary care facility for manatees. The museum is part of the statewide Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, a collaborative effort to aid Florida’s imperiled manatee population.
All three are female and share a unique bond formed through their shared journey. Mandalore was rescued in February from Blue Springs as an orphaned calf, while Kyber, another orphan, was found in Crystal River suffering from prolonged cold exposure. Crane, the eldest of the group, was rescued from Crane’s Bayou near Longboat Key and is recovering from cold stress syndrome.
According to museum staff, Mandalore and Kyber were rescued on the same day and entered rehabilitation together, forming a strong connection. Crane, acting as a protective “big sister,” adds to the nurturing dynamic often seen among female manatees.
This year's rehabilitation process has been especially hands-on for Bishop staff, who managed critical care for the trio at an off-site location before transitioning them to the museum. This continuity has provided the facility with a complete picture of each animal’s recovery journey.
Once the manatees meet health and behavioral benchmarks, they will be evaluated for release into the wild. Until then, visitors to the museum can learn more about Florida's manatee rescue efforts and witness firsthand the care being provided to these gentle giants.
The Bishop’s ongoing mission underscores the increasing need for conservation support as Florida manatees continue to face challenges from habitat loss, food scarcity, and boating-related dangers.
