BRADENTON (970 WFLA) -- The cause of death is drowning, but it remains a mystery why and how Snooty the manatee wedged himself into an underwater tunnel at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton.
Snooty, the oldest manatee in captivity, was found dead at his tank Sunday, a day after the museum celebrated his 69th birthday. Museum Chief Operating Officer Jeff Rodgers says a panel door leading from Snooty's tank to a maintenance area was secured shut.
"We do not open it regularly", says Rodgers, who says divers check it every day, and on the day in question, visual inspection showed no issues with that panel whatsoever.
Rogers says the panel opening is 30 inches wide. Snooty's girth measured 89 inches.
The Museum is reopening today. It's normally closed Mondays.