Elderly manatee Juliet passes away at ZooTampa

Juliet, one of the world's oldest known manatees, died at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa, Florida. The female manatee, estimated to be over 65 years old and weighing 3,045 pounds, had been transferred to the zoo's David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center in December from the Miami Seaquarium following concerns about the facility's care standards. Juliet was moved along with two other manatees, one of which was Romeo, her longtime companion. The transfer was part of a rescue operation prompted by a viral video showing poor living conditions, leading to an inspection report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that cited insufficient animal care and neglect.

During her time at ZooTampa, Juliet had been adapting well to her new environment, socializing with other manatees at the critical care center—one of only four such centers in the United States specializing in the treatment of critically injured, sick, and orphaned manatees. However, her health suddenly declined overnight, and she passed away early Sunday morning. Officials believe her death was related to her advanced age. A necropsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death.

Juliet's passing marks the fourth animal death in nearly a year linked to the Miami Seaquarium's previously reported poor living conditions. Despite multiple violations and calls for permanent closure by county and federal governments, as well as local animal rights activists, the facility continues its operations. Juliet's death underscores ongoing concerns about the welfare of marine life in captivity and has heightened awareness about manatee conservation efforts.