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During Manatee Awareness Month in 2002, SeaWorld Orlando recognized the extraordinary efforts of this
amazing girl, sponsoring a trip for her and her family to visit the park. It was the first time that
Stephanie came face to face with the very animals she was working so hard to save. She also met Dr.
Gearhart, who brought her and her family behind the scenes to tour the rescue facilities and pools in
which the park’s team of animal experts and veterinarians care for these and other marine animals.
Explaining the various threats posed to the species and its survival, Dr. Gearhart shared SeaWorld’s
history and active involvement with manatee rescue, rehabilitation and release efforts. After
experiencing the award-winning Manatees: The Last Generation? attraction, Stephanie had the rare
opportunity to bottle-feed an orphaned manatee – by far the highlight of her trip. While in Orlando,
Stephanie presented a check to Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute for more than $700, all of which she
earned through her efforts.
Now entering seventh grade, Stephanie’s manatee conservation crusade continues. In addition to
speaking engagements at elementary schools, she has made presentations to local civic groups and even
wrote to Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida, urging him to help keep manatees protected. He responded that he
would. She has been featured in American Girl magazine and interviewed by Ranger Rick, National
Wildlife Federation’s children’s magazine. Stephanie even launched her own grassroots youth
conservation organization, “Kids Making A Difference,” which today boasts members from across the
United States.
Stephanie Cohen is a testament to what one individual can do to help preserve and protect
endangered wildlife.
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