Successful Manatee Rescue Thanks to SeaWorld Rescue Center

(eap) SeaWorld Orlando is not only known for its line-up of rollercoasters and attractions, but also for its marine animal rescue center, including the largest rescue facility for manatees in the USA. Recently, a manatee (“Reckless”) and her calf (“Churro”) were successfully released back into the wild after having spent more than a year at the SeaWorld Rescue Center. Reckless and Churro were rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and SeaWorld Orlando in May 2022, when Reckless suffered a collision with a boat. This shattered her shoulder and exposed deep muscle and tissue, leaving her in a life-threatening condition. Her calf appeared to be no more than a day or two old at the time. Over the past 20 months and through twelve life-saving surgeries, the SeaWorld veterinary team has done everything possible to keep Reckless and Churro together to ensure the continuation of the parent-child bond necessary for their eventual return to their natural habitat together.

“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has an unwavering commitment to manatee conservation,” said Andy Garrett, Statewide Manatee Stranding Coordinator at FWC. “SeaWorld Orlando’s successful rehabilitation of Reckless and Churro enables two healthy female manatees to return to the wild. This partnership and collaboration play a crucial role in achieving this important conservation goal.” Reckless and Churro have been fitted with a tracking device to ensure they remain healthy in their natural habitat. This information is crucial as the manatee population continues to decline rapidly. ■