NowThis Earth's video: FL Aquarium to Free Manatees Following Activist Pressure

Two Florida manatees who spent decades in 'deteriorating conditions' at the same aquarium where the beloved orca Lolita died earlier this year will soon be moved to a sanctuary, thanks in part to this video. Advocacy group UrgentSeas posted the clip on social media last month, and it went viral soon after. The video gives viewers a glimpse into the living conditions of 67-year-old Romeo, who has been at the Miami Seaquarium with 61-year-old Juliet since 1956 after they were both 'rescued,' the Guardian reported. According to UrgentSeas, the manatees had suffered a 'horrendous captivity,' having been separated for months. 'Manatees are semi-social animals and suffer psychologically when not living in groups or pairs. But Romeo remains alone. All the time,' the group wrote in the video. In September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a scathing report detailing numerous issues at the Miami Seaquarium. The USDA said the aquarium had unsafe facilities and insufficient staffing, failed to ensure adequate veterinary care, and more. While speaking to the Guardian, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said a younger manatee will be moved alongside Romeo and Juliet. All three of the mammals reportedly have health problems, which makes their transportation 'high risk,' the Guardian reported. » Sign up for our newsletter KnowThis to get the biggest stories of the day delivered straight to your inbox: https://go.nowth.is/knowthis_youtube » Subscribe to NowThis Earth: https://www.youtube.com/channel/nowthisearth Connect with NowThis Earth » Follow us on TikTok: https://go.nowth.is/Earth_TikTok » Follow us on Instagram: https://go.nowth.is/Earth_Instagram » Follow us on Snap: https://go.nowth.is/Earth_Snap » Follow us on Facebook: https://go.nowth.is/Earth_Facebook NowThis Earth is daily news coverage of climate, sustainability, biodiversity, species extinction, environmental justice, and other planetary concerns. NowThis is your premier news outlet providing you with all the videos you need to stay up to date on all the latest in trending news. From entertainment to politics, to viral videos and breaking news stories, we’re delivering all you need to know straight to your social feeds. We live where you live. http://www.youtube.com/nowthisearth @NowThisEarth