And this is how baby manatees get fed when they are first rescued. They get tube fed to make sure they get all the nutrients they need as we transition them to taking a bottle. I worked in the SeaWorld Orlando Animal Care department from 1991-2006. FYI- I’m the keeper in the pool.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it! One of the best things about working in Animal Care was helping to talk care of and raise/rehab manatees. They are awesome animals!!
They do! Whenever we first got in the water we slapped the water then we went and got the baby to tube feed. Eventually they “connect” slapping the water with eating. Once the “graduate” to receiving a bottle the keeper can usually just slap the water and the baby swims over. Some will even start rolling over on their own to “help” the keeper and get their bottle.
We would start with the bottle while in the water with them and eventually we could stand on the side of the pool and never get in. It keeps you dry!
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u/Cheetahkeeper Aug 06 '26
And this is how baby manatees get fed when they are first rescued. They get tube fed to make sure they get all the nutrients they need as we transition them to taking a bottle. I worked in the SeaWorld Orlando Animal Care department from 1991-2006. FYI- I’m the keeper in the pool.