It is with much sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved Snooty the manatee has died.

Snooty was such a unique animal and he had so much personality that people couldn't help but be drawn to him. Our staff, volunteers, and board members considered him a star and we all deeply mourn his passing.

He brought joy to many lives and contributed to what the world currently knows and thinks about manatees.

Snooty was born on July 21, 1948, at the Miami Aquarium and Tackle Company -- the first recorded birth of a manatee in human care. He moved to Bradenton in 1949. ``Baby Snoots,`` as he was then known, was brought to Bradenton as part of the 1949 Desoto Celebration and later that year he moved permanently to the South Florida Museum's care. In 1979, he became Manatee County's official mascot.

During his lifetime, he greeted up to two million visitors at the Museum and on the Snooty Cam and we are honored to have had him with us for so long. We will continue his legacy through our manatee rehabilitation program.

We will soon share information about plans for a special memorial to honor his legacy and hope that you will share your memories of Snooty on our Facebook page. Please visit the ``Remembering Snooty`` tab on the navigation bar to read and share memories.