COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomed three new manatees to its Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

Vora, Lily and Orchid made the trip north from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, according to a Facebook post from the zoo.

The three new manatees will share a habitat with Clawford, Sabal and Cobble — three other manatees who are gaining weight and strength during their rehab stay with the zoo.

All six of the manatees were rescued from Florida waters after facing life-threatening challenges. The zoo serves as a second-stage rehab facility, where workers provide care and to give them time to recover, grow and prepare for their return back to the ocean.

Credit: Columbus Zoo

The manatees will recover alongside Stubby, a manatee who serves as a resident foster

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