On Thursday, March 3, SeaWorld Orlando’s animal team returned Kringle, a male manatee, to waters near Port St. John in Titusville on Florida’s east coast.
Kringle is not your typical rehabilitated manatee. He’s a two-time resident of the park, having been rescued just days after Christmas in 2008 (and with his rescue came his holiday name), and again in December 2010. We think he likes staying at SeaWorld during the holidays!
Both times, Kringle was suffering from early signs of cold-stress and hypothermia, a condition that occurs when manatees can’t find warm water.
Prior to his release, the 8-foot-long, 770-pound manatee was fitted with a satellite tag. The tag allows Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to track Kringle’s movements in the wild to ensure his success.
Kringle is the 9th rehabilitated manatee released this year by SeaWorld Orlando’s animal experts.
SeaWorld’s animal rescue team, is on call 24/7 to rescue orphaned, injured or ill animals. More than 18,000 animals have been rescued since the parks’ care programs began 45 years ago. Want to learn more about our efforts with caring for animals like Kringle? Go to SeaWorldCares.com.
