Seventeen months after being rescued alongside his injured mother just one day before Mother’s Day, Cullen the manatee has returned to the wild.
Dolphin Research Center (DRC) led Cullen’s rescue on May 10, 2025, in Islamorada after his mother suffered serious injuries from a boat strike. The adult manatee had sustained a life-threatening pneumothorax, and Cullen, who was still dependent on his mother, was rescued alongside her.
The rescue was a coordinated effort involving DRC, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Aquarium Encounters, which provided on-site assistance. Both manatees were transported to SeaWorld Orlando for critical care and rehabilitation.
Sadly, Cullen’s mother did not survive her injuries. Cullen continued his rehabilitation and, as he grew, eventually moved to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, where he spent time preparing for the day he would be old and strong enough to return to the wild.
That day came on Oct. 20.
Cullen was transported back to the Florida Keys by Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and FWC for his release in Tavernier. Zoo Miami assisted DRC with the release, helping bring Cullen’s 17-month journey full circle.
The release even included a special spectator, as Barstool Sports’ Dave “El Presidente” Portnoy joined the rescue and rehab teams to witness Cullen’s final journey to freedom.
“This one is especially meaningful for all of us because we remember Cullen as this tiny calf who needed his mom,” said Allie Proskovec, director of media and marketing at Dolphin Research Center. “We were able to give him a chance when he was rescued, and even though we were heartbroken to lose his mother, Cullen kept growing, learning and becoming independent. Seeing him swim away today is an incredible feeling.”
The journey involved a network of organizations working together to give him a second chance, from his initial rescue in the Florida Keys to rehabilitation and care in Orlando and Jacksonville, and finally his return home.
The rescue and rehab also serve as powerful reminders of the devastating effect boat strikes can have on manatees. His mother’s injuries ultimately cost her life, leaving her young calf to continue without her.
“Cullen’s story started with a tragedy, but today we got to see the other side of rescue,” said Proskovec. “As always, there were many people and organizations involved in getting him to this moment. Watching him return to the Florida Keys is why all of that work matters.”
Dolphin Research Center is the only organization licensed to conduct manatee rescues in the Keys. Its rescue team works closely with FWC and other wildlife organizations to respond to manatees in distress throughout the region. The organization encourages anyone who spots a manatee that may be injured, entangled, or in distress to call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
