BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A rehabilitated manatee named Melby was released back into the wild on Tuesday after weeks of care following a dramatic rescue in Brevard County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Melby was released into the Eau Gallie River in Melbourne by staff from the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and SeaWorld Orlando, marking the successful conclusion of a multiagency rescue and rehabilitation effort.

The manatee was rescued Feb. 9 after being found trapped inside a storm drain in Melbourne Beach. Responders spent several hours coordinating the delicate extraction, ultimately freeing the animal and transporting him to SeaWorld Orlando for medical treatment and rehabilitation.

At the time of rescue, Melby weighed approximately 410 pounds and measured 6.9 feet long. During his rehabilitation, veterinarians and animal care specialists monitored his health, provided nutritional support, and ensured he regained strength before determining he was ready for release. Upon his return to the wild, Melby weighed 515 pounds and measured 7.3 feet long, reflecting significant progress during his recovery.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and SeaWorld Orlando released a rehabilitated manatee named Melby into the Eau Gallie River in Melbourne this week after he was rescued Feb. 9 from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach and restored to health through coordinated rescue and veterinary rehabilitation efforts. (FWC)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and SeaWorld Orlando released a rehabilitated manatee named Melby into the Eau Gallie River in Melbourne this week after he was rescued Feb. 9 from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach and restored to health through coordinated rescue and veterinary rehabilitation efforts. (FWC)

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FWC officials credited the successful outcome to the coordinated efforts of numerous agencies and partners, including Brevard County Fire Rescue, Brevard County Emergency Management, Melbourne Beach Police, the Town of Melbourne Beach, the University of Florida VETS Animal Technical Rescue Team, Brevard County Public Works, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region.

Wildlife officials reminded the public that prompt reporting is critical when encountering manatees that appear injured, distressed, or orphaned. Anyone who observes a manatee in need of assistance is urged to contact FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).