A manatee habitat had been a feature of the Museum almost since its inception, but as more was learned about manatees and their care, it became clear that a larger and more well-equipped facility was needed for the Museum's resident manatee, Snooty. In 1979, plans began for a new wing to be added to the museum to include such facilities. Completed in 1993, the wing was officially named the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat in 1994 in honor of long time board member and patron, Mary Parker.