Manatee County celebrates iconic Manatee's birthday

BRADENTON — As Brynne Anne Besio stands at the edge of the South Florida Museum’s aquarium, the museum’s resident manatee, Snooty, pulls himself partially out of the water, using his large flat flippers to lift himself up and lean closer to Besio.

The Lakewood Ranch resident reaches out her hand to touch his snout. In turn, Snooty draws her hand into his mouth: It’s feeding time, and Besio doesn’t flinch.

Instead, she smiles and begins to talk about Snooty’s features — his soft skin and elephant-like nose … and his personality — inquisitive, people-oriented and steady.

“He’s charming, and he’s friendly,” Besio says. “He knows he’s a star, and he loves the attention. If he could climb out of that tank (to greet guests), he would.”

As the executive director of the South Florida Museum, Besio’s role isn’t to care for Snooty, but she still visits him in the museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium frequently.

“I love to take people back here to (help them understand),” she said, noting Snooty has had 24 wild companion manatees rehabilitated alongside him over the years. “He’s a mentor to the other manatees. They haven’t seen a manatee that old.”

Snooty pulls himself farther out of the water and leans in toward Besio, who begins speaking softly to him as she rubs his nose.

Soon, it will be time to share Snooty with the community, on a larger scale than normal. The South Florida Museum and community at-large will celebrate Snooty at his 64th Birthday Bash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 21, at the museum’s courtyard, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Reduced-priced admission to the museum also is available at that time.

“I think it’s wonderful how the community comes out to help celebrate his (life),” says Besio, who has worked at the museum since 2007. “(Snooty) has become a tradition for the community. Many people have grown up with him. He’s an icon.”

According to Besio, Snooty’s party will also be a chance for the museum and other organizations to promote wildlife awareness and help educate the public about the environment, manatees and endangered species.

“We use (Snooty) to help tell the story of the manatees that are endangered,” Besio says, noting Snooty currently shares his tank with two wild manatees that are being rehabilitated.

Besio, who holds a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s degree in geochemistry, also will use Snooty’s party as an opportunity to show off the museum, which is rich in local history, as well as in science offerings. It boasts artifacts from Manatee County’s settlement and history to present and collections of more than 6,000 dolls, ancient pottery, mammoth bones and currently a photographic exhibit by the famous nature photographer Clyde Butcher, among other items, in addition to its aquarium and Bishop Planetarium.

“I was always drawn to (this museum) because of the science education,” Besio say, noting Willis and McNeal elementary schools, among others, in the East County take advantage of educational programming offered by the museum. “There’s something to be learned here every day. That’s my favorite part.”

By the Numbers
1949 — Year in which Snooty arrived in Manatee County
1,210 — In pounds, Snooty’s weight at his June checkup
200 — Number of heads of romaine lettuce fed daily to Snooty and his two companion manatees
75 — In dollars, the approximate cost of feeding Snooty each day
15 — Percentage of the South Florida Museum’s budget dedicated to the Parker Manatee Aquarium

IF YOU GO
Snooty’s 64th Birthday Bash
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 21
Where: South Florida Museum courtyard, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton
Cost: Free
Info: southfloridamuseum.org