The South Florida Museum in Bradenton hosted a memorial and open house Sunday to give fans a chance to celebrate the life of Snooty, the beloved manatee who died in July at age 69.
A 10-minute video tribute featuring images taken from throughout Snooty's long life drew tears from many in the audience, the Bradenton Herald reported. "Snooty was a big part of all of our lives," Sofia Hopper said, her voice still shaking.
Julie McNellis of Bradenton, who first saw Snooty as a child in the 1970s, also cried when watching the tribute video. "There were a few tears, and I wasn't alone," she said.
More than 1,000 were in attendance just halfway through the five-hour memorial, according to the Herald.
Snooty drowned July 23 in the life-support maintenance area in the aquarium just two days after his 69th birthday. Somehow a panel dislodged, allowing Snooty access to a tunnel where he became stuck.
An outside review later determined that Snooty's death could have been prevented. In the wake of the investigation, the aquarium director left her job.
At Sunday's event, guests received keepsake stones featuring Snooty's picture, date of birth and date of death. They signed a Snooty memorial log, viewed displays and visited the museum's remaining rehab manatees.
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