Two rehabilitated manatees are swimming free and healthy in the wild after being released this morning in Apollo Beach.
The manatees, named Brandee and Homey, were released together at 9 a.m. at the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve.
Brandee was rescued in February 2010 from Bradenton waters and was suffering from prolonged exposure to cold.
The sea cow, then 410 pounds and 6 feet 5 inches long, had frostbite on her tail and was taken to the Parker Manatee Aquarium in Bradenton, where she gained weight and strength.
The permanent white scarring from the frostbite will always be visible on Brandee's tail, though it will not affect her movement.
Brandee now weighs 870 pounds and is 8 feet 3 inches. Scientists tagged her and will continue to monitor her movements.
Since Brandee was damaged by the cold at a young age, scientist coordinated her release with another manatee and put them both in a warm-water area with hundreds of wild manatees to ensure her survival.
"This strategy also gives these manatees the opportunity to better hone in on the warm waters during next season," said Marilyn Margold, director of the Parker Manatee Aquarium at the South Florida Museum.
Homey was rehabilitated at Lowry Park Zoo's Manatee and Aquatic Center. More information about Homey was not available.
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