VERO BEACH, Fla. — SeaWorld continues to do its part in rescuing and rehabilitating manatees in Florida and just recently completed another successful manatee release in Central Florida.
Following a full rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando, “Ciabatta” was returned to the wild at Round Island Riverside Park in Vero Beach last week.
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The male manatee, which is over 10 feet long, was rescued in Brevard County last winter.
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Ciabatta was found in poor physical condition and had buoyancy issues. Both issues were associated with the unusual mortality event affecting manatees on the East Coast in 2021.
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Ciabatta gained 386 pounds during recovery, weighing a robust 1380 pounds at the time of his release.
Please report injured, sick or dead manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
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Florida residents can show their support for manatees by purchasing a “Save the Manatee” license plate at myfwc.com/research/manatee/trust-fund/license-plate.
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