Seven rehabilitated manatees rescued from area waters during a prolonged red tide outbreak were released into the Caloosahatchee River Tuesday morning.
Dozens of spectators turned out to await the arrival of the sea cows, most of whom had been recovering from the effects of red tide exposure at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa.
The animals, ranging in size from 400 to 1000 pounds, were transported in climate-controlled trucks and kept wet with spray bottles.
Laying on canvas sheets, officials and volunteers carefully eased them down a boat ramp at Horton Park in Cape Coral as spectators cheered.
Many agencies and individuals took part and rescuing and rehabbing the endangered marine mammals. Their return to wild, in waters near where they found, was coordinated by Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC).
Denise Boyd, who works with the FWC, directed staff and volunteers.
“Fantastic day,” she said. “Fantastic day for all the folks in the Lee County area and great way for all of us to celebrate our work.”
The lingering red tide outbreak, which finally dissipated in May, is estimated to have killed about 270 manatees in Southwest Florida – mostly in Lee County.
