UPDATE: FROM THE SAN PEDRO SUN http://SanPedroSun.net/old/00-61.html
The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize Vol. 10, No. 6, February 10, 2000
Woody the Manatee moves to new home
Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute has announced that Woody, the orphaned baby manatee, has moved from the Belize Zoo. The newborn male was rescued nearly four months ago from the waters near Buttonwood Bay by members of the Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network (BMMSN).
For the past three months, personnel at the Belize Zoo, with technical assistance from the BMMSN, have been providing free, round-the-clock care for Woody. The dedicated rehabilitative care provided by the Zoo has resulted in Woody's excellent condition today. In addition, through the efforts of Zoo personnel, funds were collected to cover some of the cost incurred for Woody's care.
However, as a three and a half month old, Woody's need for resources have increased, specifically his need for water, and a move was deemed necessary. He was moved to his new home in Sarteneja Friday, January 28th to provide easier access to those resources. Sarteneja will furnish a more natural setting that may aid in his adaptation as he is released into the wild.
A manatee caretaker will be hired to care for Woody during his stay in Sarteneja. The caretaker will be supervised by WildTracks, a Corozal based volunteer conservation organization, and the BMMSN. Until the caretaker is hired, WildTracks will be the primary caregiver. So far, financial support for Woody's care in Sarteneja has been received from Yalbac Ranch and the Save-The-Manatee Club in Florida.
Persons from the Corozal/Sarteneja area interested in the manatee caretaker position can call the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute at 02-30719/35739/32616 or WildTracks at 041-2031.
Woody should be released into the wild at age two, depending on the status of his health.
Press Release November 1999
By Nicole Auil, Belize National Manatee Researcher
The orphaned male manatee, Woody, found by members of the Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network (BMMSN) in mid October, has found a home at the Belize Zoo.
Woody moved to his new location on November 1. For the first two weeks following his rescue, he was living in an inflatable children�s pool in the backyard of the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) and was kept alive by BMMSN members and countless volunteers, who fed and monitored him (see photo above).Earlier plans to move him to Xcaret, Mexico fell through and attempts were being made to transfer him further north to Tabasco, Mexico. However, an unexpected home was found a short distance away, and Woody will remain on Belizean soil in the capable hands of the Zoo personnel and the Stranding Network�s members. The BMMSN will continue to provide technical support until Woody is released into the wild. Discussions are currently underway to obtain additional technical support from veterinarians and specialists from Florida.
A mass fund-raising campaign will be launched both internationally and locally to raise money for food and maintenance for Woody. Organizations and individuals wishing to donate to the fund can call the 501-2-30719 or 35739 or 32616 (Belize City, Belize, Central America).
Woody should return to his natural home at age two, depending on the status of his health.
