The world’s oldest manatee has died after he got trapped and drowned in a compartment of an aqaurium.
According to the Mirror.UK, Snooty died aged 69 and a review into the tragic accident is under way at the South Florida Museum in the US.
The manatee is believed to have swam into a panel that is usually bolted shut but somehow the creature became trapped inside.
In a statement the museum’s CEO, Brynne Anne Besio, said staff were heartbroken by the accident.
He said: “Our initial findings indicate that Snooty’s death was a heartbreaking accident and we’re all quite devastated about his passing.
“We’re reviewing what happened and will be conducting a full review of the circumstances.”
Mr Besio paid tribute to the creature, who was beloved by staff and visitors at the aquarium.
“Snooty was such a unique animal and he had so much personality that people couldn’t help but be drawn to him.
“As you can imagine, I — and our staff, volunteers and board members — considered him a star.
“We all deeply mourn his passing. We are honoured to have had him with us for so long and will continue his legacy through our manatee rehabilitation program”, he added.
Snooty was born on July 21, 1948, at the Miami Aquarium and Tackle Company — the first recorded birth of a manatee in human care.