The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature just welcomed two new manatee patients, Sorbet and Juneau, to the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. These young female manatees came here from ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s critical care hospital, moving into the next chapter of their recovery. The process for rescued manatees is quite simple: once healthy, adults are released, while orphans like these two stay for extended care.
“We’re excited to have Sorbet and Juneau with us,” said Virginia Edmonds, Director of Animal Care at The Bishop. “Our mission is simple—help manatees get back on their feet and open up space for other critical cases at the hospitals. We’re honored to do this work.”
Both manatees had a rough start this winter. They came in as orphans, a situation that often leaves young calves without the survival skills their mothers would have taught them. Last December, rescuers found Sorbet, who’s 5 feet long and weighs 240 pounds, alone in Crystal River. Our animal care team is tracking her closely, watching how she settles into her new surroundings and monitoring her eating habits as she adjusts.
Rescuers saved Juneau, 6 feet tall and weighs 335 pounds, in St. Petersburg this January. Besides being orphaned, she’s dealing with cold stress syndrome, a condition manatees develop after spending too long in chilly water. She’s got a hearty appetite, though, and the staff love her curious streak. The goal is to help her reach 600 pounds before she heads back into the wild.
“There’s always something special about bringing in new manatees and kicking off their rehab with us,” said Andrew Sandall, The Bishop’s CEO. “It’s rewarding to follow their journey and see their personalities once they start to settle in. Our Animal Care Team puts in an incredible effort to get them ready for life back in the wild.”
Visitors can watch Sorbet and Juneau as they settle into their temporary home. The museum has educational displays that lay out their stories, how rehabilitation works, and what needs to happen before a manatee is ready to return to Florida’s waterways.
Right now, Sorbet and Juneau are still getting used to the place, taking it day by day in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, based in Bradenton, Florida, is the largest museum of its kind on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Inside, you’ll find engaging exhibits, a modern Planetarium, and the Mosaic Backyard Universe for young kids and families. The Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat is an essential part of the museum, offering intermediate care to manatees who’ve moved out of critical care but aren’t quite ready for the wild again. The focus here is all about helping these animals regain their health and learn what they need before release.
Alongside permanent collections, The Bishop frequently rotates special exhibitions, so there’s always something new to check out. The museum’s vision is clear: ignite a passion for science and nature and inspire its community.
Thinking about visiting? Head over to www.BishopScience.org or call 941-746-4131 for details. Admission: Adults (18–64) $25; Seniors (65+) $23; College Students (with student ID) $19; Children (5–17) $16; Kids under 5 get in free with a paying adult.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
201 10th St. West
Bradenton, FL 34205
www.bishopscience.org
