Thousands sign petition to replace confederate monument with Snooty the manatee memorial
By Samantha Putterman, Times Staff Writer
BRADENTON The South Florida Museum aquarium remains closed Monday and tributes continue to pour in following the shocking death of Snooty, the beloved manatee who captured the hearts of generations.
Social media lit up with tributes and an online petition is urging Manatee County legislators to replace a Confederate monument with a statue honoring Snooty, the oldest known manatee in captivity who was found dead Sunday morning having just celebrated his 69th birthday on Friday.
Museum officials say Snooty was stuck underwater in an area used to access plumbing after a hatch blocking off the area had come loose. An investigation into Snooty's death is ongoing.
Support for Snooty flooded the internet in the wake of his death.
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http://www.tbo.com/news/environment/wildlife/snooty-the-manatees-death-prompts-outpouring-of-support-petition-to-move/2331287