SeaWorld Orlando Returns Manatee to Bonita Springs

ORLANDO, Florida – A 595-pound male manatee was returned to the waters of Bonita Springs near Naples, Fla.,after receiving supportive care at SeaWorld Orlando for the past few months.

“Red Bone” was initially rescued early this year by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission during a red tide episode in southwest Florida. During a red tide epidemic, harmful algae bloom that can cause respiratory issues in both humans and animals. Red Bone was rescued in February and transported to Lowry Park Zoo, where he had been rehabilitating and receiving care since his rescue.

Due to the large number of manatees affected by the red tide, Lowry Park Zoo was running low on space, so on March 6, 2013, Red Bone was transferred to SeaWorld Orlando for supportive care. After he was medically cleared for today’s return, SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue Team transported the large animal to Bonita Springs, Fla., an area well known for its manatee population.

In collaboration with the government and other members of accredited stranding networks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue ill and injured marine animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return them to their native waters. SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 22,000 animals in need - ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned - for more than four decades. So far this year, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 13 manatees and returned two.

If you see injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 1(888) 404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.

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