ORANGE CITY, Fla. — Staff members from SeaWorld and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation released a 950-pound manatee Tuesday that was rescued last year after being trapped in a Jacksonville storm drain.
State wildlife officials said the female manatee was released into the water at Blue Spring State Park near Orange City.
After being rescued by Jacksonville firefighters and staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the manatee was taken to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation.
Manatee rescue: Raw video | Photos | Orlando arrival
The manatee was not seriously injured when it was stuck, but SeaWorld rescuers made sure it made a full recovery. SeaWorld employees gave the manatee fluids and basic supportive care.
“Manatees are amazingly tough animals,” SeaWorld Rescue spokeswoman Stacy DiRocco said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Watch the release below:
Cox Media Group
