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South Fla. Museum gets first rescue manatee since Snooty's death

Posted at 5:09 PM, Nov 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-09 15:55:01-05

The South Florida Museum received its first rescue manatee since the death of Snooty in July.

Lagoona was rescued after a boat-strike on Mosquito Lagoon.

"When rescued they didn’t think Lagoona was going to make it, the extent of her injuries was pretty significant, and she’s actually doing quite well,” said Provost Jeff Rodgers. 

RELATED: South Florida Museum gets first rescue manatee since Snooty's death

Snooty died in July after getting into the tank’s plumbing area. Employees called Snooty’s death a “preventable accident.” Rodgers said the tank is safe and secure for Lagoona and other manatees.

"We’ve had a full review of our habitat, everything is safe and secure, they are safe,” said Rodgers.

Sally Senger was Snooty’s caretaker until she was let go from the museum in 2014. She believes the rehabilitation program should be closed.

"I would be hesitant since they didn’t take good care of Snooty and he died, why would you put rehabs there?” said Senger.

Employees said the program will continue with new safeguards in place.