Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
For more than 40 years, Dolphin Research Center has been a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of marine mammals through scientific research, education, and exceptional animal care.
For more than 40 years, Dolphin Research Center has been a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of marine mammals through scientific research, education, and exceptional animal care.









![Two Young Manatees Released to the Wild by Dolphin Research Center
[KEY LARGO, FL] On March 11, 2026, Two rehabilitated Florida manatees were successfully returned to the wild today following months of care and rehabilitation. The release was made possible through a collaborative effort between Dolphin Research Center, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), SeaWorld Orlando, and Aquarium Encounters.
The two manatees, Luca and Giovanni, were rescued in separate incidents after being found in situations requiring intervention.
Giovanni was rescued on August 27, 2024, as a young calf after responders determined he had been orphaned. The area was monitored for several days in hopes that his mother would return, but when she did not, rescuers intervened to provide the care needed to give the calf the best chance of survival.
Luca was rescued on May 5, 2025, as a juvenile manatee exhibiting unusual and concerning behavior. During the rescue, a veterinarian from Dolphin Research Center determined that Luca was likely suffering from a gastrointestinal infection and required medical treatment.
Following their rescues, both manatees were transported to SeaWorld Orlando for specialized medical care and rehabilitation. After completing their primary rehabilitation, and due to their young ages, Luca and Giovanni were later transferred to Aquarium Encounters in the Florida Keys where they continued to grow and build strength while awaiting release.
Today, both manatees were successfully released into the waters of Key Largo, marking the final step in their rehabilitation journey and their return to the wild.
The rescue, rehabilitation, and release of manatees is part of a statewide conservation effort led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and supported by a network of dedicated rescue and rehabilitation partners throughout Florida.
Members of the public who encounter a sick, injured, or orphaned manatee are encouraged to report it to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
For more information about Dolphin Research Center, visit us at dolphins.org or on social media: Facebook and Instagram. Two Young Manatees Released to the Wild by Dolphin Research Center](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YuRySebqdUo/mqdefault.jpg)
