One of the oldest known manatees, Juliet, dies at ZooTampa

TAMPA, Fla. – According to ZooTampa in Lowry Park, Juliet was one of the oldest known manatees before she died.

The death of the unusually large animal, which weighed 3,045 pounds, was announced Sunday. ZooTampa says she was over 65 years old and left a global legacy for manatee conservation and education.

In December, Juliet was transferred to ZooTampa for an emergency medical evaluation at the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. The center is one of only four critical care centers in the U.S. for the advanced care of critically injured, sick and orphaned manatees.

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“For more than four months, Juliet had successfully adapted to her new environment in the zoo’s rehabilitation pools and was socializing with other manatees,” says Dr. Cynthia Stringfield, ZooTampa’s Senior Vice President of Animal Health, Conservation and Education, said in a statement. “When she arrived at the zoo, there were many aspects of her overall health that were unknown.”

ZooTampa officials say Juliet underwent a routine medical evaluation this past week. She showed health problems that they believe were related to her old age.

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Her health suddenly deteriorated overnight and she died early Sunday morning. Officials said a necropsy will be performed.

“Juliet was a beloved animal who captured the hearts of many around the world. We were regularly contacted by animal care professionals, veterinarians and even the general public, who credit her for instilling their passion for these gentle manatees. Our thoughts are with the entire manatee community and the teams that have cared for her for more than 60 years,” Stringfield said.

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