JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Because of the cold temperatures during winter, some manatees have become cold-stressed.
It’s resulted in a record number of mammals in rehab at the Jacksonville Zoo.
“It’s the first time … we’re rehabbing five animals,” said Craig Miller, with the Jacksonville Zoo.
“They can be, you know, even longer -- four to five, six months depending on, even potentially longer, depending on how severe that cold stress is.”As a result of the cold winter, the Jacksonville Zoo isn’t the only spot with a record number of rehab patients.
“We’re just trying to make sure we’re available to help out if if needed.”AdThe zoo will release the manatees when they’re healthy enough to survive on their own.