Dozens gather to watch manatee released back into the wild
A nearly 900-pound manatee, injured by a boat on Florida's Treasure Coast, has been released after months of rehabilitation. Wildlife officials say the manatee, named "Cocobean," is very lucky.
The injured manatee was discovered back in May Amber Howell, an assistant research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said Cocobean has recovered and is back where she belongs.
The SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team arrived with Cocobean at a boat ramp near Palm Beach, Florida, on Thursday morning.
Howell mentioned that Cocobean, an adult female, was struck by a boat.
"She had boat strike injuries to her back and was found excessively buoyant, unable to dive underwater, and floating sideways," Howell said. "This indicated trauma due to the boat strike."
The Martin County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute assisted with the rescue. SeaWorld Orlando treated her injuries and cleared her for release in the same waters where she was found.
"We always want to return them to their familiar territory where they know where to find food and seek warm water in winter," Howell said.
The truck carrying Cocobean had her placed on a foam pad while onlookers, like Melissa Burke, watched.
"When I saw the volunteer shirts, I stopped to watch the manatee release. It was really interesting," Burke said.
Crews took measurements and photos before releasing the manatee.
"This manatee is very lucky, and we're fortunate to have caring residents who reported her condition, allowing us to rescue her," Howell said.
