ORANGE CITY, Fla. – Conservationists and wildlife partners came together for the release of Churro, a 700 pound rehabilitated manatee, at Blue Spring State Park.
“We’re very excited. This is the very first time we’re using this brand-new manatee rescue and release ramp that was just built,” said Cora Burch, manatee research associate with Save the Manatee Club. “That’s exciting news.”
Churro, rescued last winter from Blue Spring for declining body condition during her first winter in the wild, spent time recovering at SeaWorld Orlando and Brevard Zoo before her release.
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The new ramp replaces the old staircase previously used for manatee releases at the park.
“I have done hundreds of manatee releases with the old staircase and it was difficult,” said Monica Ross, Director of Manatee Conservation and Research at Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute.
“This new ramp is absolutely fabulous, it allows everybody to have really good footing and not have to worry about what the next step might be, as well as it was a nice, easy glide for the animal to be carried down.”
Visitors and wildlife advocates watched as Churro made her way back into the river.
“It’s really cool. Normally, I just see them in zoos and stuff,” said Syndney Gendron. “I’ve seen different rehabilitation but not quite getting actually released into the wild. So I guess it’s kind of cool to see the whole process now.”
Burch reminded the public that manatees remain active in Florida waterways during the summer months, even though large aggregations are more common in winter.
“In the summertime, manatees are still around. You won’t probably see them as much as you see them in the wintertime, but they’re out in the river, estuaries, and coastal areas,” she said. “It’s really important to watch out for these guys. Especially when you’re out boating, make sure you go slow and look out for these guys.”