TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Two manatees are getting a second chance at life as they will be released back into the Florida waters after spending nearly a year of rehabilitation at ZooTampa and the Georgia Aquarium.
On Tuesday, manatees Burger and Vamo will be released back into the waters at Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center Tuesday afternoon.
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Burrger was rescued on Jan. 25, 2023, from the St. Petersburg area after suffering from cold stress. He only weighed 320 pounds when he was found. Vamo arrived on Feb. 9, 2023, after being found in Little Sarasota Bay, emaciated and weighing only 260 pounds.
Both males received expert and around-the-clock care at ZooTampa, and by the fall, they were strong enough to be transferred to the Georgia Aquarium to continue their rehab journey.
According to a press release, the aquarium provided “plenty of food and veterinary care until the manatees were big and strong enough to be returned to Florida waters.”