Sep 19, 2007 8:51 am US/Eastern
2 Manatees & A Turtle Released Back Into The Wild
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MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Two manatees, and a green Sea turtle, are swimming free in the wild once again after being released by the Miami Seaquarium.
"Sebastian" the manatee was rescued from the St. Sebastian River in April. He had suffered severe boat trauma to his back causing fractured ribs and a punctured lung (pneumothorax). He was 7 feet long when rescued. "While the treatment he received at Miami Seaquarium was imperative for his recovery, it was his perseverance to survive that helped make it a smooth recovery," said Dr. Maya Menchaca Rodriguez, Miami Seaquarium veterinarian.
"Sebastian" was released at Sebastian inlet, along with "Kent" the Green see turtle. "Kent" is a juvenile rescued on May 3rd, 2007. Kent had a cracked shell caused by a boat strike and had buoyancy issues. It's the first time a manatee and a Green sea turtle have been released into the wild together.
"Bronco" the manatee was rescued as an orphan on March 9, 2006 from Vero Beach due to possible cold stress and being an orphan. Bronco weighed only 280 lbs. when rescued. Bronco was transported to Miami Seaquarium from SeaWorld in February 28th, 2007.
He was released Tuesday in Vero Beach.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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