Manatee ‘Slips’ Back Into Florida Waters After Rehabilitation

[SMAX]

A manatee has been returned to the St. Johns River in Blue Spring State Park after rehabilitating at SeaWorld Orlando for the last year.

“Slip” was taken to SeaWorld Orlando on 4th January, 2012, after being rescued due to symptoms he suffered from cold stress. After he was medically cleared for his return, the park’s Animal Rescue Team transported the 21-year old manatee to Blue Spring State Park, an area well-known for its manatee population.

Slip’s health was evaluated upon arrival at the park by SeaWorld animal experts and Sea2Shore Alliance. The 1,100-pound (498kg) manatee was then carried by more than a dozen people into the spring, where a group of manatees were seen swimming nearby.

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 to the 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 two manatees and returned one.

[Eeyore rocks]

What a happy ending.

I love manatees.

[Guest]

Ahhhhhh see now when people moan about seaworld all I want to say is look at that. That's such a wonderful story

[abiknox]

Lovely to see!

[Minnie40]

That is just so lovely, they are such beautiful creatures

[sarahdisney]

Great News! im hoping to see some in the wild when we go on holiday

[thisismickey]

Some great news

[WickedPlans]

SeaWorld do a fantastic job at this

[josie112]

Spent a great weekend at Blue Springs state park in 2012. Lovely place. Good memories.

[akv2010]

Ah, he was there when we did the backstage tour last year. Nice to hear that he has been returned home.