Jacksonville, FL — Almost two months after two cold stressed manatees were rescued and brought to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens' Manatee Critical Care Center, one has been released back into the wild.
Vilanzo, who was found beached in Vilano Beach in St. Johns County, was orginally brought in by FWC on March 17th, showing signs of cold stress, exhaustion, and dehydration.
But over the course of 7 weeks, zoo animal hospital staff say the 9'2'' animal quickly found his appetite and his energy levels returned to normal.
Vilanzo was officially given a clean bill of health on May 3rd, clearing the way for his release on Tuesday.
"It's a great day when we can send a healthy animal back into the wild," says Tony Vecchio, Executive Director of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
Sadly, the other manatee brought in around the same time as Vilanzo, nicknamed Miller, is still undergoing treatment and is said to have a tough fight ahead of him.