On Jan. 28, Dolphin Research Center’s manatee rescue team, in partnership with SeaWorld Orlando and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, successfully released a rehabilitated mother manatee and her calf at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.
The mother manatee, named Stripes, and her calf, Argyle, were originally rescued by Dolphin Research Center after Stripes was found suffering from a severe fishing line entanglement around her pectoral flippers. At the time of rescue, DRC’s staff veterinarian determined that Stripes was in critical condition and required advanced medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
Following emergency treatment at DRC, FWC transported the pair to SeaWorld Orlando, where they received specialized care and rehabilitation services. After months of treatment, monitoring and recovery, both Stripes and Argyle were deemed healthy and strong enough for release back into their natural habitat.
“Successful release days are joyful days,” said Allie Proskovec, director of media and marketing at Dolphin Research Center. “They represent countless hours of dedication, collaboration and compassion from every organization involved. Seeing Stripes and Argyle return to the wild together is the best possible outcome. Manatees are a threatened species, facing ongoing risks from boat strikes, habitat loss and entanglement in fishing gear. Today’s release serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the continued need for public awareness and conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants.”
Dolphin Research Center is the only licensed manatee rescue organization in the Florida Keys. This release highlights the importance of partnerships among local rescue teams, state agencies and accredited rehabilitation facilities.
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).
