Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomed two new manatee patients this week!

The pair of male manatees, Axle and Gilbert, arrived safely following a transport from ZooTampa on Wednesday morning and are now settling into their new temporary home in the Dr. James “Buddy” Powell Manatee Rehabilitation Center at CMA.

Axle and Gilbert are currently being closely monitored by our veterinarians and manatee rehabilitation team as they acclimate to the habitat. Over the coming weeks, they will continue to adjust to their new environment while the manatee rehab and veterinary teams monitor their health, behavior, and progress.

Axle was rescued in shallow water in Venice, Florida on February 21, 2026, due to cold stress. Gilbert was rescued in Sun Springs, Florida on January 2, 2026. He was rescued as an emaciated orphan calf with a low body temperature.

As part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), CMA plays an important role in providing second-stage rehabilitation care for manatees recovering from illness, injury, or other challenges. Axle and Gilbert both received critical care at @zootampa after being rescued in early 2026 and are expected to continue their rehabilitation at CMA through the coming months with an anticipated release back into the wild in early 2027.

We will continue to share updates and announce when guests will be able to view the manatees at CMA.

Donate and support CMA at HelpCMA.org!

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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. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

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