Rehabilitated manatee released into Tampa waters after boat strike

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The Georgia Aquarium has released a rehabilitated manatee back into the water after a devastating injury right here in Tampa Bay.

Tay Tay, the young manatee, was found injured after a boat attack earlier this year.

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The aquarium said that due to her fragile condition, she needed veterinary help to gain weight and recover before being released back into the wild.

Georgia Aquarium, as part of Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnershipnursed Tay Tay back to health at their off-site facility.

When the young manatee was ready to rejoin her species, Zoo Tampa aquarium staff helped release her into the water at TECO Manatee Viewing Center.

The photos and video above show Tay Tay’s return to warm water and swimming with other manatees in what is now her new, permanent home.

According to Florida Fish and WildlifeFlorida manatees are a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, with only about 8,350 animals left. They are native to Florida and typically inhabit the state’s warm waters, including rivers, bays, canals and estuaries.

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