Oh no: Snooty, the world’s oldest known manatee, just died in a “heartbreaking accident”
We hate getting tragic news, especially when it involves unique and special creatures. Sadly, the world’s oldest manatee was killed in a “heartbreaking accident” right after his 69th birthday (!) at the South Florida Museum where he lived.
In a press release from the museum, Jessica Schubick reported that, “Snooty was found in an underwater area only used to access plumbing for the exhibit life support system. Early indications are that a panel that is kept bolted shut had somehow been dislodged and that Snooty was able to swim in.” Several other manatees entered the open hatch as well, but managed to get out safely (they weren’t nearly as big as Snooty). Snooty was found dead in the morning when staff opened the museum.
He was a favorite among visitors and staff at the museum, and the loss is incredibly devastating.
The South Florida Museum is deeply saddened to share the news that our beloved Snooty has died. Snooty
s death was a...
Posted by South Florida Museum on Sunday, July 23, 2017
“Snooty’s death was a heartbreaking accident and the circumstances are being investigated so we can be sure we know the full details of what happened,” a South Florida Museum spokesperson said in the Facebook post.”
The internet is full of tributes to the beautiful creature.
Sad news about our beloved #Snooty. Like so many others, my first encounter with him was in elementary school. #saddayforallkidsbigandsmall
— Senator Bill Galvano (@BillGalvano) July 23, 2017
Damn. #Snooty makes it 69 years, and dies in some weird accident? It's not right. Breaks my heart.
— Julie M (@broncogal17) July 23, 2017
Apparently lettuce was one of his favorite treats. Aww!
People are beginning to leave tributes to #Snooty pic.twitter.com/NmqNdcxB1n
— Carlos R. Munoz (@ReadCarlos) July 23, 2017
Here Snooty was just days ago, happily swimming and doing his thing.
A post shared by South Florida Museum (@southflmuseum) on Jul 22, 2017 at 7:19am PDT
The crowd even sung him the “Happy Birthday” song! An absolutely GIGANTIC crowd to be exact. Of course, Snooty loved being the center of attention.
A post shared by South Florida Museum (@southflmuseum) on Jul 22, 2017 at 10:04am PDT
RIP Snooty. You were enormously loved, and will be truly missed. Also, we truly hope that the circumstances surrounding the accident are thoroughly investigated so that nothing like this happens in the manatee enclosure ever again.
