Manatee pair to be rescued after decades in captivity

The manatee couple Romeo and Juliet, after about 60 years in captivity, are expected to be moved to a larger facility and receive better care.

Juliet the manatee (left) and another manatee named Phoenix swim at the Miami Seaquarium in Key Biscayne, Florida. Photo: Alan Diaz/AP — Juliet the manatee (left) and another manatee named Phoenix swim at the Miami Seaquarium in Key Biscayne, Florida, in 2014. Photo: *Alan Diaz/AP*

Romeo, 67, and Juliet, 61, have lived at the Miami Seaquarium in Florida since they were cubs. But decades of captivity in increasingly deplorable conditions will soon come to an end thanks to intervention by federal wildlife agencies and a campaign by animal rights activists. They will be moved to a facility with more space, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) told the Guardian on 1 December.

Romeo and Juliet have been separated for months and are suffering from “horrific confinement,” UrgentSeas said. Last month, the organization posted a video on social media X showing Romeo swimming alone in the Miami Seaquarium’s cramped circular tank, which has been viewed more than 3.3 million times. Manatees are social animals and suffer psychologically when they are not in groups or pairs, but Romeo was left alone, UrgentSeas said.

The FWS is also reviewing a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released in the fall that highlighted multiple violations at the Miami Seaquarium regarding veterinary care, staffing levels, and animal conditions. Romeo, Juliet, and an unnamed younger manatee will be relocated together. All have health issues and the move was deemed “high risk,” but necessary for their future well-being.

Manatee pair to be rescued after decades in captivity — Footage recorded in November 2023 shows Romeo the manatee living alone in a small tank. Video: *UrgentSeas*

Romeo, in particular, has health and dietary issues that require careful care, meaning he is unlikely to be released back into the wild. Romeo’s tank was left without shelter for at least 10 days, exposing the animal to harmful direct sunlight. Another serious violation was that he had been left without a companion since three young manatees he lived with were released back into the ocean in the spring.

The manatee relocation is expected to take place around the middle of this month, or as early as next week. FWS has not revealed the group’s final destination, but the goal is a facility that will give them space to swim with other manatees and receive specialized care.

Thu Thao (According to Guardian )

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