Captive Manatee Hugh's Death by Sex Injuries in Florida Aquarium, Could Have Been Avoided, Says Expert

(Photo : Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
Hugh, a captive manati in one of Florida’s Aquariums, died of sex injuries.

According to investigations, the sex injuries that caused the 38-year-old captive manatee, Hugh, to pass away at Sarasota, Florida's Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory, could have been prevented if proper attention was given.

Death by Sex Injuries

According to necropsy report conclusions released by the US Department of Agriculture, Hugh died from a 14.5-centimeter rip in his intestines and other traumatic injuries brought on by a sexual encounter involving another, bigger male manatee at the facility.

According to the inspection report, Hugh died as a result of the facility's failure to manage him swiftly and carefully enough to prevent physical harm and trauma.

Fresh blood was found in a fecal sample taken from Hugh after the encounter, but the staff at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium apparently permitted the two male manatees to continue having intense encounters and sporadic penetration throughout the day, according to the New York Post.

Change in Behavior

Hugh's passing was reported by Mote Marine in an April 30 press release after the aquarium gave a different account of the incident.

Hugh's behavior changed earlier in the day, according to the Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory, so animal care employees started closely monitoring him.

On a Saturday in the late afternoon, Hugh suddenly passed out in his enclosure at the Marine Mammal Center of Mote Aquarium.

Hugh's animal care staff responded right fast and ultimately concluded that Hugh had died.

The manatee's caretakers are still in mourning, according to Kevin Cooper, a spokesman at Mote Marine, who also noted that the aquarium is dedicated to upholding the USDA's highest standards for handling animals.

Mote behaved in accordance with the norms and procedures for professionals that they have observed over Hugh's 27 years of service to the aquarium, as well as the advice from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums along with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership.

Cooper added that Mote's animal care personnel kept in touch with the medical care team as soon and frequently as they could, including by talking to senior contract manatee veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians with sufficient experience, and a staff veterinarian.

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Hugh The Manatee

Hugh and Buffett, manatees who shared a tank when they were born in the Miami Seaquarium, were transferred to Mote Marine in 1996.

They were trained to take part in manatee research studies so that Mote Marine scientists could learn more about their physiology, hearing, eyesight, and body temperature.

Additionally, the two manatees became well-known for guessing the winning NFL Super Bowl teams.

Last year, Hugh predicted correctly that the Kansas City Chiefs would win the Super Bowl.

In a statement released on Monday, Nicole Meyer, a representative for PETA or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, expressed confidence that the Mote Marine Laboratory alongside the Association of Zoos and Aquariums will examine the laboratory's standards to prevent a repeat of this tragedy, USA Today reported.