Manatee and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation as essential component in park's mission 

MIAMI, FL – Prior to the Miami Seaquarium opening its gates in September of 1955, the first baby orphan manatee “Mamie” was brought in for rehabilitation while the park was still being finished. Since its opening, the park has rescued, rehabilitated and released countless distressed marine mammals including manatees, sea turtles, dolphins and whales. 

Today, the park is a recognized leader in Marine Life Conservation and has accomplished many veterinary breakthroughs throughout its 56 year history.  Additionally, as one of three facilities in the State of Florida commissioned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a critical care facility for the rehabilitation of injured, sick and orphaned manatees, the park is positioned at the forefront in the fight to save Florida's manatees.   

“Miami Seaquarium is committed to wildlife conservation,” commented Andrew Hertz, General Manager at Miami Seaquarium.  “We take our rescue and rehabilitation efforts very seriously.  Throughout the park's history, we have made great strides in the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered manatees, sea turtles and other marine mammals.  Our conservation efforts are a vital component to the mission of the park.”

In the last twenty years, Miami Seaquarium has have rescued and rehabilitated over 100 injured manatees.  In the last several years, three of these rescued, rehabilitated and released females have showed up with healthy calf's two years after being released. In addition, over 300 sea turtles have been brought to Miami Seaquarium for rehabilitation in the past twenty years.

Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.  In addition, Miami Seaquarium is part of The Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). The MRP is a group of non-profit, private, state, and federal entities who work together to monitor the health and survival of rehabilitated, and released manatees.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year.  The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations, marine-life exhibits and animal encounter programs.  More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

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