Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, recently released a statement about the unexpected death of Hugh, a 38-year-old manatee. A necropsy report revealed that Hugh died from a 14.5-centimeter rip in his colon caused by a sexual encounter with his brother, Buffett. The aquarium staff noted that Hugh and Buffett had engaged in increased mating behavior, and that Hugh began exhibiting a change in behavior on April 29 before passing away shortly thereafter. The aquarium is mourning Hugh's passing and reminding visitors to observe manatees from a distance and to follow the rules and regulations set forth by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
