ORLANDO, Fla. — A female manatee rescued after suffering a serious medical condition has returned to the waters of Crystal River following months of rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando.
Citron was released Aug. 27 at The Port Hotel and Marina in Crystal River, SeaWorld officials announced Monday.
The manatee was rescued from Kings Bay in January after she was found swimming on her side.
Veterinarians determined Citron was suffering from a pneumothorax, a condition in which air becomes trapped in the chest cavity because of damage to a lung. In manatees, the condition can interfere with buoyancy and prevent the animal from swimming or remaining submerged normally.
Citron was transported to SeaWorld Orlando, where the park’s animal rescue team provided specialized veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.
After several months of care, wildlife officials determined she was healthy enough to return to her natural habitat.
Photos from the release show rescue workers preparing Citron near the water before returning her to Crystal River.
SeaWorld works with state and federal wildlife agencies and other organizations to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick or injured marine animals.
The park said Citron’s successful return highlights the role accredited zoological organizations play in wildlife rescue and conservation.
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