Snooty takes the record

At nearly 67 years old, Snooty has been making a splash at the South Florida Museum since the 1950s.

His charismatic personality and love of lettuce has made him a staple at the downtown Bradenton attraction, which took Snooty in shortly after he was born in 1949 at the Miami Seaquarium.

And, his presence hasn't gone unnoticed. Guinness World Records representatives announced recently that Snooty now holds the record for the oldest manatee in captivity.

The second oldest manatee documented was 59 years old, and the next oldest was 48.

To celebrate Snooty's longevity and his 67th birthday (on July 21), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 18, the South Florida Museum will host Snooty's 67th Birthday Bash and Wildlife Festival.

Since his recognition last month, Snooty has been enjoying the spotlight. He receives waves of fan mail from Scotland to San Diego on his record-breaking fete and upcoming birthday.

"Snooty holds a special place in the hearts of people from around the world," said Brynne Anne Besio, CEO of the South Florida Museum. "We hear from locals who grew up celebrating Snooty's birthday each year, and are so pleased they can now share the birthday bash with their own children."