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.
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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