SeaWorld Orlando Manatee Rescue Exhibit

SeaWorld's Manatee Rescue Exhibit Showcases Endangered Species

Many children have a natural interest in caring for injured or sick animals. No attraction gives kids better insight into the fascinating reality of large-mammal rescue and rehabilitation then the Manatee Rescue attraction at SeaWorld Orlando. From the rapid-fire response of the Animal Rescue Team to the high-tech treatment and tracking of these lovable creatures, guests soon discover it is far more than child's play.

SeaWorld's Animal Rescue Team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responding to emergencies involving injured, ill or stranded animals - from a 310-pound manatee suffering from cold stress to an endangered sea turtle who's lost his way.

Beyond the often heart-racing rescues, the Manatee Rescue exhibit immerses kids in the beautiful underwater world of the endangered Florida manatees. Through innovative cinema presentation techniques, underwater viewing, distinctive graphics and interactive displays, young animal lovers learn about these gentle giants, the fragile ecosystem in which they live, and the tremendous effort it requires to care of these fascinating animals.

As the leading facility in Florida authorized to rescue and care for manatees, SeaWorld has become a pioneer in numerous treatment techniques, including ultrasounds, anesthesia, X-rays, surgery and thermography. In fact, SeaWorld's veterinarians were the first to put a cast on an injured manatee.

Guests of the exhibit learn what it takes to care for baby manatee orphans, many of whom have been successfully raised in the facility. Similar to newborns, these young calves require bottle feedings every three to four hours for their first eight months of life, each requiring his own custom-designed formula.

Rescued manatees are cared for in a specially designated rehabilitation area at SeaWorld. Before their return to the wild, manatees are tagged and fitted with small satellite transmitters so the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can track them in their natural habitat. Information from these studies, including findings on migration patterns and feeding areas, can be used to designate manatee and wildlife refuges.

For an even greater in-depth look at the rehabilitation of these amazing creatures, park guests may enjoy the Saving a Species tour - a 60-minute walking excursion that gives guests an intimate, in-depth look at SeaWorld's rescue and rehabilitation facilities, where endangered manatees and sea turtles receive state-of-the-art medical care. In addition to learning about wildlife conservation, guests get the rare opportunity to hand-feed exotic birds in a free-flight aviary. One dollar of the tour admission is donated to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, supporting research, conservation and education projects around the world. Cost is $16 per adult, $12 per child (ages 3-9) plus tax. Prices are in addition to park admission.

The SeaWorld & Busch Garden Conservation Fund is an organization committed to wildlife conservation and research, animal rescue and rehabilitation, and conservation education. One hundred percent of donation contributions support on-the-ground conservation projects in the U.S. and around the world.