SeaWorld releases several manatees after rehab completion, DeSantis announces
Editor’s note: SeaWorld informed Florida’s Voice that two of the seven announced manatees require additional rehabilitation. The total released came out to five.
ORANGE CITY, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that SeaWorld is releasing several manatees after completing rescue and rehabilitation for the aquatic mammals.
SeaWorld told Florida’s Voice that five were released, while two require additional rehabilitation.
He made the announcement during a visit to Blue Spring State Park.
In his 2024 budget proposal, he proposed $9.5 million to continue manatee protection initiatives.
“Florida’s manatee population continues to strengthen because of our record investments in manatee protection programs and water quality improvements,” DeSantis said. “I am grateful for FWC for their proactive rescue and rehabilitation efforts.”
SeaWorld has a dedicated manatee rehabilitation area, which covers five acres and is utilized to help “ill, injured or orphaned” sea creatures.
His office said that since 2019, Florida has invested more than $50 million for manatee programs, along with over $1.8 billion for water quality.
DeSantis’ office also said that in 2023, the Florida manatees achieved their lowest mortality rate in 6 years.
His 2024 “Focus on Florida’s Future” budget proposal includes over $330 million to improve water quality. That funding includes $100 million for the Indian River Lagoon protection program, his office said.
“Clean, sustainable water resources are critical for Florida’s residents, visitors, economy and manatees,“ said Shawn Hamilton, Department of Environmental Protection secretary.
“Because of Governor DeSantis’ vision and leadership, along with the support of the Florida Legislature, the state is seeing incredible momentum for environmental protection to ensure Florida’s natural resources are preserved for generations to come,” he said.
Roger Young, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said the 2022-2023 budget included over $30 million for manatee rescue and rehabilitation.
“We are grateful for his continued dedication to providing resources for manatee care and rehabilitation,” Young said.
