Govind Tekale
Four manatees were transported from Ohio zoos to Florida on October 14 for continued rehabilitation before an intended return to native waters this winter. Three came from the Columbus Zoo and one, named Hundo, came from the Cincinnati Zoo. DHL Express flew them to Orlando for ground transfer to rehabilitation sites.
The manatees are not yet released. Transport to Florida is a rehabilitation step, not the animals’ return to the wild. Understanding that distinction matters for readers who may see headlines about transfer and wonder whether the animals are already home.
Partnership and History
The Cincinnati Zoo has cared for 38 manatees and helped release 31 of them since 1999, according to local reporting. Both the Cincinnati and Columbus zoos will receive six additional manatees after the current transfer, maintaining the zoos’ involvement in rescue and rehabilitation work.
This transfer is part of a broader partnership between zoos, wildlife agencies and rehabilitation networks. Facilities in different regions contribute expertise and care, with the goal of returning animals to their original habitat once they are ready.
The four manatees transported on October 14 will remain under human care and monitoring in Florida until release is planned. Readers will know more when rehabilitation centers confirm the next timeline steps.
