After getting hit four months ago, a manatee traveled 120 miles to return to open waters
After nearly four months of treatment from a boating accident, one of Florida’s most beloved sea creatures is being set free: Manatee Okapi is ready for life in open waters again.
On Nov. 20, Okapi was hurt in a watercraft-related accident in Ochopee in Collier County, the Miami Seaquarium said. He was rescued and taken to the Seaquarium, where he was treated for buoyancy issues.
Okapi recently completed his rehabilitation at the Seaquarium and weighed in at about 500 pounds.
On Tuesday morning, Okapi traveled more than 120 miles to Florida waters in the Naples area. With the help of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Okapi was transported in a truck.
Miami Seaquarium says it has provided medical care to rescued manatees since 1955, healing 84 manatees and 175 sea turtles, as part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership.
If you see a manatee in distress or one who has died, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 6:30 PM.
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