Florida manatee rescue efforts: one dies after boat strike, over 20 released back to waters

A manatee rescued near Faro Blanco Resort in Marathon, Florida, after a suspected boat strike was taken to SeaWorld Orlando for treatment but succumbed to its injuries despite a coordinated response by Dolphin Research Center, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Marathon Fire Rescue, Aquarium Encounters and the Turtle Hospital.

In a separate effort, the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership announced that more than 20 rehabilitated manatees were released back into Florida waters after years of care. The releases involved a network of partners including SeaWorld Orlando, Zoo Miami, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, Brevard Zoo, Mote Marine Laboratory, Cincinnati Zoo, ZooTampa and The Seas with Nemo and Friends at EPCOT. The animals were deemed ready for the wild after extensive medical treatment and observation, highlighting the collaborative nature of manatee conservation in the state.