Cooperative Interstate Effort Prepares Three Young Manatees for a Second Chance in the Wild

The orphans weighed 44-62 pounds when rescued in southwest Florida in 2021. Now at nearly a half-ton each, their release together is planned for February 2024.

Working on a manatee pool floor that's been raised to bring Soleil out of the water, veterinary staff and animal care workers at the David A Straz, Jr. Critical Care Center prepare to roll her onto her right side as part of a health assessment at ZooTampa at Lowry Park in Tampa, Fla., on Oct. 5. Nanette Holt/The Epoch Times

TAMPA, Fla.—Three young manatees, rescued two years ago from southwest Florida, have arrived back at ZooTampa after spending time “fattening up” at the Cincinnati Zoo for a planned return to the wild.

If all goes well, the state and zookeepers plan to release the trio on a cool day in February 2024 in Crystal River, Florida.