Three rescued manatees return to Brevard for continued care

Three manatees rescued in Brevard County waters are back in Florida for continued rehabilitation at Brevard Zoo. Redrock, Rosalyn and Erie arrived from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the two zoos announced Oct. 14.

Columbus Zoo said their journey south began Monday, Oct. 12. Brevard Zoo said the three females had been receiving care in Columbus since November 2025 after being orphaned as young manatees.

All three have local rescue histories. Redrock was rescued in the Indian River Lagoon in Titusville on May 10, 2024. Rosalyn was rescued in the Banana River in Cocoa Beach on Dec. 2, 2024. Erie was rescued with cold stress in the DeSoto Canal area of Cocoa Beach on Jan. 9, 2025, according to the Columbus Zoo patient record.

At Brevard Zoo, they live in the East Coast Zoological Foundation’s behind-the-scenes rehabilitation center. Opened in April 2025, the center cares for stable, noncritical patients needing more monitoring, weight gain or better weather before release, the zoo says.

Their return to Florida is another stage of care. Columbus Zoo anticipates release into Florida waters this winter; neither zoo’s announcement gives a specific release date. The Brevard announcement describes behind-the-scenes rehabilitation, rather than a new public exhibit.

For residents who encounter a sick, injured, orphaned, dead or distressed manatee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission directs reports to its Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-3922. Be ready to give the exact location, when the animal was seen, its approximate size and condition, and a callback number.

FWC also asks callers about the nearest public boat ramp and any tag near the animal’s tail. After contacting the hotline, photos or video can help the responding biologist assess the animal or identify it if it moves away. The agency’s reporting instructions are linked below.