ORANGE CITY, Fla. — At Blue Spring State Park in Volusia County, three manatees rehabilitated at SeaWorld Orlando are now back in the wild.
What You Need To Know
Three manatees rehabilitated at SeaWorld Orlando are now back in the wild at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City
Carditee, Crawford and Lilypad all arrived as orphaned calves and are now healthy
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute spent Thursday morning tagging the manatees for post-release monitoring
“Totally unexpected. We were here for a hike, and there the manatees were,” said Daniel Stark, a Blue Spring State Park visitor on Thursday.
CardiTee, Crawford and Lilypad all arrived as orphaned calves and are now healthy and ready to return to their native habitats.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute spent Thursday morning tagging the manatees for post-release monitoring.
They’ll be tracked for approximately one year to monitor feeding, migration and overall success.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute spent Thursday morning tagging the manatees for post-release monitoring. (Spectrum News/Devin Martin)
“After a year, we’re able to give them a health assessment, get some bloodwork, take a weight, make sure they’re doing good. Hopefully, then we no longer have to intervene, and they are completely successful out on their own. They can add to the population and do what they’re supposed to do,” said Veronica Veara with SeaWorld Orlando.
A SeaWorld Orlando spokesperson said it has rescued seven manatees this year.
Last year, they rescued 57.
Janet Oehl and her husband, Michael, have seen a lot on their travels. They are glad they got to see the manatees Thursday.
“It’s good to be at the right place at the right time,” Michael Oehl said.
SeaWorld Orlando has more information on its Manatee Rehabilitation Area on its website.
Blue Spring State Park visitors look on Thursday as manatees are released. (Spectrum News/Devin Martin)