After eight weeks of closures due to the effects of Hurricanes Helene and Mlton, Mote Aquarium will reopen on Friday, Nov. 22—and introduce Lou, a new rescue manatee, to the public.

Prior to the storms, Lou, a large adult male Florida manatee weighing 2,100 lbs., joined Mote's manatee habitat, which includes fellow manatee Buffett and a variety of fish. Lou was introduced to the habitat with clearance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), which includes Mote. Buffett had been living alone in the habitat since the death of his brother, Hugh, which was caused by a violent sexual encounter between the two manatees in April 2023.

Since Lou's arrival, Mote’s veterinary, hospital and animal care teams have carefully followed a gradual introduction plan, reviewed and approved by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) and other partner organizations. Mote’s animal care team says it will continue to closely monitor the manatees to help ensure compatibility. 

In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, Lou and Buffett were relocated to a partner facility out of the direct forecasted path of the hurricane. While Mote was able to successfully move many of the animals out harm's way, two river otters died due to the effects of back-to-back storms and the stress of relocation, despite medical intervention. This week, Lou and Buffett returned to Mote with other animals that had been transported off the island ahead of the hurricane.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1599 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Mote’s Education & Outreach Center on Anna Maria City Pier is inaccessible by land therefore it remains closed to the public at this time.