TAMPA, Fla. — A ZooTampa at Lowry Park veterinarian did not cause the death of any manatees, according to a recent review of animal care at the zoo. 

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In November, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist and Kathy Castor filed letters demanding a full investigation into manatee deaths. 

Dr. Ray Ball was accused of harming manatees due to questionable medical care. At least two manatees had died as a result of allegations including improper feeding, drug use and poor emergency care

This week, the zoo completed an extensive review of its manatee care program - responding to questions raised by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about the facility's manatee treatment. 

The panel’s review looked specifically at questions regarding treatment of manatees in need of critical care after being stranded or physically injured or compromised, often with multiple conditions. The panel did not conclude that any specific practices, over which concerns were raised, caused the death of a manatee.

During the review, Ball was not allowed to treat manatees. 

The Zoo is one of only four providers of critical care for manatees in the U.S. and the only one on Florida’s west coast. 

Ball will now return to work and provide vet care for the more than 300 species of zoo animals - except for manatees for the time being, officials said.

Zoo officials said management, along with its board, will work with Ball to develop "stronger, routine collaborative practices and to improve communication with staff and peers." 

The zoo released a statement saying: "In addition to these changes and process improvements, we are instituting changes to our Zoo’s Animal Welfare Committee that conducts internal reviews and its process for examining and following up on complaints. 

"The Committee will regularly report to Zoo leadership and staff on its activities and the resolution of concerns."