Meet the Manatees
As a second-stage rehabilitation facility, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature provides a temporary home for manatees that will be released back into the wild once they have recovered. The Bishop has been rehabilitating manatees since 1998. Manatees are cared for in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, which allows them to maintain natural behaviors. The Bishop has cared for more than 50 manatees, including our most recent arrivals:
Mandalore
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.
Kyber
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
Visitors to The Bishop can observe these manatees as they continue rehabilitation. This provides an opportunity to learn about the challenges these animals face. Informational displays near the viewing areas will provide details about their individual cases, the rehabilitation process, and the physical requirements for release.
Sorbet and Juneau are currently acclimating to their temporary environment within the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. Read the entire press release about Sorbet and Juneau here.
It Costs $2,000 a Month to Feed a Manatee!
Florida’s wild manatees are facing more challenges than ever — this year, we’ve lost more manatees than any other year in our state’s history. Manatees need our help, and your monthly support as a Bishop Foster Friend will make it possible! Your monthly gift of just $10 will help us feed and care for rehabilitating manatees until they are healthy enough to go home.