Mote successfully releases first two manatee rehabilitation patients

Mote releases first two manatee rehabilitation patients © Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is proud to announce that its first two manatee rehabilitation patients, Sleet and Cabbage, were successfully released back into Florida waters last week following months of dedicated rehabilitation from Mote's expert animal care teams. The manatees are Mote's first rehabilitation patients following its new designation as a secondary care holding facility for manatee rehabilitation under the direction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Sleet and Cabbage arrived at Mote on April 28, 2025, after receiving initial treatment at Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) acute-care centers. Both presented signs of cold stress and significant weight loss. Once at Mote, the manatees continued to receive routine medical care to meet the appropriate weight and body condition, a requirement for their return to the wild. Under Mote's exemplary rehabilitative care, the manatees steadily increased in weight until deemed fully prepared for release by the cooperative care team.

Sleet was released in Crystal River on Tuesday, December 9, and Cabbage was released at Tampa Electric's (TECO) Big Bend discharge canal the following day, Wednesday, December 10. The releases were conducted in partnership with USFWS, FWC, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

Over the past several years, Florida has seen unusually high numbers of manatee mortalities due to seagrass loss, harmful algal blooms, cold stress, vessel strikes, and other threats. These pressures created an urgent need for increased holding and rehabilitation capacity statewide. With the new designation as a secondary care holding facility, Mote is answering the call by housing non-critical patients in its expanded facilities, overseeing the final stages of rehabilitation, and preparing the manatees for release.

"The successful release of these two patients represents significant progress in statewide manatee conservation efforts," said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Mote's President & CEO. "It reflects the strength of our rehabilitation team and Mote's commitment to advancing science-based care that directly benefits this vulnerable species."

As part of this cooperative network, MRP partners work together to rescue, rehabilitate, release, and monitor manatees while advancing research and public education. By contributing essential rehabilitation capacity and scientific expertise, Mote continues to enhance Florida's collective ability to protect manatees across the region.