Clearwater Marine Aquarium Welcomes Manatees Axle and Gilbert for Next Stage of Rehabilitation

Two rescued male manatees arrive from ZooTampa to continue recovery at CMA with anticipated return to the wild in early 2027.

(CLEARWATER, FL – OCT. 2, 2026) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has welcomed two new manatee patients, Axle and Gilbert, to the Dr. James “Buddy” Powell Manatee Rehabilitation Center, where they will continue the next stage of their rehabilitation with the goal of returning to the wild.

The pair of male manatees arrived safely at CMA Wednesday morning, Sept. 23, following a transport from ZooTampa. Both were rescued earlier this year under different circumstances and received critical care at ZooTampa before being transferred to CMA for second-stage rehabilitation.

Axle was rescued Feb. 21 in shallow water in Venice, Florida, suffering from cold stress. Gilbert was rescued Jan. 2 in Sun Springs, Florida, as an emaciated orphan calf with a low body temperature.

Now, both are continuing their recovery at CMA, where the aquarium’s veterinary and manatee rehabilitation teams are closely monitoring their health, behavior and progress as they adjust to their new environment.

As part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), CMA provides second-stage rehabilitation care for manatees recovering from illness, injury and other challenges. This stage of care helps prepare recovering manatees for the ultimate goal of returning to Florida waters.

“Axle and Gilbert have already made tremendous progress since they were rescued earlier this year, and we’re excited to welcome them to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for this next stage of their rehabilitation,” said Dr. Shelly Marquardt, Vice President of Animal & Environmental Health. “Our focus right now is giving them the time and space they need to settle into their new environment while we closely monitor their health, behavior and progress. Every step we take is with the ultimate goal of preparing them for a successful return to the wild.”

Following their arrival, Axle and Gilbert began a gradual acclimation period to allow them to settle into their new surroundings before introducing additional activity and guest viewing. During this time, CMA’s teams have been working to establish a normal daily routine and baseline behaviors while gradually transitioning the manatees to a full diet.

After an assessment by CMA’s veterinary and manatee rehabilitation teams, manatee viewing opened to the general public on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and CMA guests were invited to visit and help welcome Axle and Gilbert.

Axle and Gilbert are expected to continue their rehabilitation at CMA over the coming months, with an anticipated release back into the wild in early 2027.

The Dr. James “Buddy” Powell Manatee Rehabilitation Center opened in 2024, expanding CMA’s ability to support manatee rehabilitation in coordination with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership. The partnership brings together organizations working collaboratively to rescue, rehabilitate, release and monitor manatees.

All activities are conducted under USFWS Permit #MA66524C.

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Media Contact:  Marsha Strickhouser | [email protected] | (727) 242-0770

About Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, harbor seals, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays and more. In 2024, CMA opened the Dr. James “Buddy” Powell Manatee Rehabilitation Center and now treats manatee patients in coordination with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), CMA conducts global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles.

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We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.

A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization