We're thrilled about the opening of Manatee Cove at the Gulfarium and we can't wait for you to meet our two incredible residents, Lil Joe and Inigo!
Meet Lil Joe
Lil Joe's journey began in 1989 when he was rescued as an orphaned calf near Daytona Beach, weighing just 42 pounds and measuring 3.4 feet in length. Over the years, he's faced challenges, including cold stress and malnutrition, leading to multiple rescues and rehabilitation efforts. Despite these hurdles, Lil Joe has shown remarkable resilience and now weighs close to 1,500 pounds. His story is a testament to the importance of conservation and the dedicated efforts of marine rescue teams.
Meet Inigo
Inigo was rescued in December 2021 from the Banana River near Merritt Island after being found beached and non-responsive, exhibiting seizure-like activity. Weighing approximately 670 pounds and measuring 9 feet long at the time, Inigo underwent intensive care at the Jacksonville Zoo. Although he was released back into the wild twice, he faced challenges adapting to his natural habitat, leading to his return to rehabilitation facilities. Now, at Gulfarium, Inigo has adapted well, currently weighing close to 1,500 pounds and measuring 9.5 feet in length. His journey underscores the complexities of wildlife rehabilitation and the personalized care each animal requires.
Discover Manatee Cove
Manatee Cove is a state-of-the-art habitat designed to provide top-tier care for manatees like Lil Joe and Inigo. The 300,000-gallon former dolphin habitat has been transformed to include enhanced life support systems, a dedicated medical area, and specialized resting ledges, ensuring a comfortable and enriching environment for our gentle giants.
As the first facility in the Florida Panhandle capable of housing rescued manatees requiring extended care, Gulfarium is honored to partner with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to protect these vulnerable creatures.
Plan Your Visit
We invite you to visit the Gulfarium and experience Manatee Cove firsthand. Witness the inspiring stories of Lil Joe and Inigo, learn about manatee conservation efforts, and discover how you can contribute to protecting these gentle giants.
Your visit not only offers an unforgettable experience but also supports ongoing conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
We look forward to welcoming you to Gulfarium and sharing the incredible stories of Lil Joe and Inigo!
