SeaWorld Rescues Orphaned Underweight Manatee

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Orange City, FL - A manatee which was rehabilitated once before finds its way back into the care of SeaWorld Orlando.

SeaWorld first met Buckeye in September of 2015 when he was found in Daytona Beach severely underweight.

Buckeye spent more than two years in SeaWorld's care with round-the-clock attention and bottle feedings before being transferred to the Jacksonville Zoo.

In March of 2018, 600 pounds heavier than he was a couple of years ago, Buckeye was then released back into Blue Springs State Park.

Then, just yesterday (February 12th), SeaWorld Animal Care was alerted to an unaccountable weight loss in the young manatee.

A rescue team was then sent out to Blue Springs to find Buckeye and take him back into their care.

Veterinarians are conducting diagnostic tests on him to identify the cause of his weight loss.

The animal care team is hopeful that Buckeye will soon be cleared for return to Blue Springs State Park.

Photos courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando.