News & Press

Mote’s resident manatee, Hugh, passes away

April 30, 2023 Kaitlyn Fusco

The Mote family is absolutely heartbroken to share that yesterday, April 29, our beloved resident manatee, Hugh, passed away unexpectedly. After Hugh showed a change in his behavior earlier in the day, animal care staff began closely monitoring him. Saturday late afternoon, Hugh suddenly became unresponsive in his habitat at Mote Aquarium's Marine Mammal Center. Hugh’s Animal Care team responded immediately, and ultimately determined that Hugh had passed away.

Spring Mote Magazine is here!

April 26, 2023 Hayley Rutger

In this edition, discover how our team at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is: shedding light on dolphin deaths using forensics tools; bringing Aquarium visitors into the world of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea"; studying the underwater impacts of Hurricane Ian; and honoring diverse trailblazers in STEM fields, past and present.

Mote launches transformative coral reef restoration project with a nearly $7 Million NOAA grant

April 24, 2023 Kaitlyn Fusco

Mote Marine Laboratory is pleased to announce it was awarded nearly $7 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a four-year, multi-faceted project focused on implementing a holistically transformative coral reef restoration initiative at 10 reef sites along Florida’s Coral Reef, just offshore of the Florida Keys Archipelago.

Mote’s Sea Turtle Patrol finds first nest of the season

April 19, 2023 Kaitlyn Fusco

Mote Marine Laboratory documented the first local sea turtle nest of 2023 on Tuesday, April 18 in Casey Key. Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program (STCRP), interns and approximately 300 volunteers began monitoring Sarasota area beaches on April 15, finding the first nest early - just 3 days after patrolling began.

Mote’s 37th Annual Run for the Turtles a huge success

April 3, 2023 Kaitlyn Fusco

Mote Marine Laboratory’s 37th Annual Run for the Turtles hosted 1,000 runners, both on Siesta Key Beach for the 1-mile fun run and Manasota Track Club-sanctioned 5k, and across the globe with the virtual run.

Floody claims victory at Mote’s Mascot Race!

March 15, 2023 Kaitlyn Fusco

Mascots of all sizes, shapes and species raced down Siesta Beach on March 15 to promote Mote Marine Laboratory’s upcoming Run for the Turtles.

Mote Welcomes Back Marketing and Public Relations Manager

March 8, 2023 Sean Stover

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is excited to welcome back Kaitlyn Fusco as Marketing and Public Relations Manager.

Telepresence WeGo Robot makes visiting Mote Aquarium accessible for hospitalized children

March 1, 2023 Sean Stover

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has partnered with the WeGo Project to utilize a telepresence robot on private, guided tours throughout Mote Aquarium. The Double 3 robot is controllable by hospitalized children using a computer or iPad to drive the webcam allowing them the chance to see, hear, talk and move as if they are physically at the Aquarium. The purpose of the program is to ease anxiety and isolation that comes along with pediatric inpatient hospitalizations.

‘Trailblazers in STEM’ digital display exhibit unveiled at Mote Aquarium

February 28, 2023 Hayley Rutger

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium proudly partnered with the Yocum African American History Association to create and launch ‘Trailblazers in STEM’ - an online and digital display exhibit. To celebrate, Mote hosted panel discussion on honoring and nurturing diversity in STEM.