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Hillsborough County honors Zoo Tampa manatee rescue team with conservation award
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners presented the 2026 Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award to Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park staff for three decades of manatee rescue and rehabilitation work; county communications noted the team has rescued more than 635 manatees and returned 356.
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners on April 15 presented the 2026 Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award to staff from Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park for their work at the Manatee Critical Care Center.
“Katie with Hillsborough County Communications and Digital Media said, "For more than 30 years, the manatee care team has been at the forefront of conservation by providing critical and rehabilitative care."”
County communications reported that the team has "rescued more than 635 manatees and returned 356," noting the program’s combination of rescue, rehabilitation and public education.
The award recognizes staff efforts to protect manatees and to educate residents and visitors on preserving Florida’s waterways. The county’s recap said the recognition highlights ongoing local conservation efforts and the role of public engagement in protecting wildlife.
The board’s meeting recap also advised residents that meetings can be watched live on YouTube and provided a county website for more information.
