Florida Officials Release Three Rehabilitated Manatees Into Fort Myers Waters

Three rehabilitated manatees were released into the waters along Florida’s west coast, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office shared footage on February 15 of the release, which was at Manatee Park in Fort Myers. The manatees – named Cason, Lincoln, and Marco – were rescued at Bunche Beach in December, though it is unclear what ailment prompted officials to take in the sea cows initially.

The manatees were treated at SeaWorld in Orlando “until they were strong enough to return to the wild,” the sheriff’s office said.

The release was a multi-agency effort that included help from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit Deputies, and citizens who helped with the rescue. Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office via Storyful