SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is set to reopen after back-to-back hurricanes and they are welcoming a new resident to the facility.

Lou, a large adult male Florida manatee weighing 2100 pounds, was transferred to Mote in a specialized manatee transport vehicle.

Mote’s veterinary, hospital and animal care teams followed a gradual induction plan, reviewed and approved by USFWS and partner organizations, as Lou got to know his tankmate, Buffett.

Buffett was born in human care at the Miami Seaquarium and likely would not survive outside of human care.

Last year, Buffett’s brother Hugh was killed while in the tank with Buffett. The autopsy report states that Hugh died of a 14.5 cm tear in his colon caused by a sexual encounter with Buffett.

Hugh was born at the Miami Seaquarium and arrived at Mote from ZooTampa on May 2, 1996, where he served as an ambassador for his species and routinely and voluntarily participated in manatee research.

Crews have been working to acclimate Buffett and Lou and they say it’s been going well.

Lou was rescued in December 2000 after a serious boat strike, which resulted in the loss of most of his tail. Based on ten years of the Florida manatee autopsy reports reviewed by FWCone in four adult carcasses shows evidence of 10 or more jet ski strikes.

“Mote is pleased to welcome Lou to our family and announce this important step toward providing the best possible care for both Lou and Buffett,” said Dr. Crosby. “Both manatees are doing well thanks to the collaborative efforts of Mote’s incredibly dedicated and experienced team of professional veterinary, hospital and animal care staff, and our partners including USFWS, FWC and MRP.”

PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, released a statement confirming Mote’s actions.

“With several agencies and marine mammal experts PETA, which is overseeing the introduction of a new manatee into Buffett’s enclosure, trusts that everyone involved will work hard to ensure that the top priority is the health and safety of both manatees,” the statement read.

You can visit Mote, starting Friday, from 21:30 to 17:00

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