- Snooty
:"Snooty" is also an adjective for one who is a
snob ."Snooty is a
West Indian Manatee that resides at theSouth Florida Museum 'sParker Manatee Aquarium inBradenton, Florida . Born at the Miami Aquarium and Tackle Company on July 21, 1948, Snooty is the first manatee born in captivity. In having a recorded birthdate, Snooty is the oldest manatee in captivity, and likely the oldest manatee in the world. Baby Snoots, as he was first called when he was born, eventually changed to Snooty when he was later brought to the Museum for the 1949De Soto Heritage Festival . Snooty is also in reference to how this particular manatee acts as he decides his diet of romaine lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, carrots and fruit.In February 1998, as part of the Manatee Rehabilitation Network, Snooty welcomed his first pool-mate “Newton”, to the Parker Manatee Aquarium. Snooty has also shared his pool with Mo, Palma Sola, Desoto Park, Salvador, Angelito, Fort Myers Baby, Passe Grille Baby , Whitaker, Muddy Baron, Little Coral, and Snitch. Baby Coral, a female manatee, is his current pool-mate. These manatees were rescued for various reasons; rehabilitated at the Parker Manatee Aquarium and released back into the wild in association with the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service . The Manatee Rehabilitation Network gives several updates on a some of the released manatees, and is available online at www.wildtracks.org .Snooty, has participated in research in association with
Mote Marine Laboratory staff, contributing to our knowledge of manatees. In addition, he is the subject of informative talks given several times daily to visitors of all ages, covering everything from eating habits and reproduction to physiology.Snooty's birthday is a popular annual event for the Museum. Each year, several generations of visitors help Snooty celebrate his birthday at a free Birthday Bash and Wildlife Awareness Festival, complete with a birthday card contest and treats for the kids.
In 2008 Snooty was honored with a full chapter in the Globe Pequot (www.globepequot.com) book FLORIDA's FAMOUS ANIMALS. Snooty is also featured in a color photo on the back book cover.
External links
* http://www.southfloridamuseum.org/aquarium.asp
* http://www.wildtracks.org
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.