Snooty, the beloved mascot of Manatee County, has tragically passed away. The 69-year-old West Indian manatee was found dead in the Parker Manatee Aquarium by South Florida Museum staff arriving for work on the morning of Sunday, July 23rd. An access panel door that is normally bolted shut had somehow come loose, revealing the entryway to an underwater area only used to access plumbing for the exhibit’s life support systems. Snooty swam into the area, but because of his size, was unable to maneuver himself out to reach the surface before drowning.

Snooty was born on July 21, 1948 at the Miami Aquarium and Tackle Co., and was the first recorded birth of a manatee in human care. Originally simply called “Baby”, the manatee calf was later called “Baby Snoots”, supposedly in reference to a popular radio show at the time called The Baby Snooks show, and became “Snooty” as he grew older. Snooty was moved to the South Florida Museum, which relocated to its current site at the Bradenton Municipal Pier in 1966, where he resided for the rest of his life. Snooty became the official mascot of the Manatee County in 1979. Living to 69, Snooty was the oldest known West Indian manatee in the world.

The Manatee county will miss this beloved creature and the South Florida Museum is greatly saddened by his loss. After investigating the tank, foul play was completely ruled out — the events that led to Snooty’s death were simply an unfortunate accident. The South Florida Museum will honor Snooty’s memory and legacy by continuing their manatee rehabilitation program.

Rest in peace, Snooty.

For more information about Snooty’s life, please read Wade Tatangelo’s article on the Herald Tribune.