Manatee couple 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 (left) and another manatee named Phoenix swim at the Miami Seaquarium in Key Biscayne, Florida. Photo: Alan Diaz/AP — Juliet (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 calves. But decades of captivity in increasingly deplorable conditions will soon 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,” according to UrgentSeas. 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 is alone, UrgentSeas said.

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

Manatee couple 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 him to harmful direct sunlight. Another serious violation was that he was left without a companion since his three young manatees were released back into the ocean in the spring.

The 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 )

Source link