Manatees Released at Blue Spring State Park  

ORANGE CITY- Blue Spring State Park today released two Lowry Park Zoo manatees as a part of the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). Wildlife experts returned the manatees, named “Dundee” and “Gene,” to their natural habitats after being rehabilitated in manatee holding facilities for several years.

“Manatees are a unique natural resource in the state of Florida,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “The Florida Park Service is honored to be a partner in the stabilization of this endangered species.”

“Dundee” is a male manatee that was born at SeaWorld of Florida in 1994 to “Gene” and “Rita.” He has been housed at several manatee holding facilities, including the Cincinnati Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Lowry Park Zoo and SeaWorld of Florida. “Dundee” was first released last year at Blue Spring State Park, but was brought back into captivity in November 2006 due to concerns for his overall body condition and lack of food intake. Currently, “Dundee” is 314 cm in length and weighs 1,300 lbs.

“Gene” is a male manatee that was rescued with boat injuries in Indian Harbor Beach, Brevard County in 1977. He was 218 cm in length and weighed only 460 lbs and was taken to SeaWorld of Florida to recover from his wounds. “Gene” has also been housed at several manatee holding facilities including the Columbus Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, Lowry Park Zoo, SeaWorld of Florida and Walt Disney World Epcot: The Seas with Nemo and Friends. “Gene” is currently 314 cm in length and weighs 1,930 lbs.

The goal of the MRP is to monitor the health and survival of rehabilitated and released manatees. Partnership members include the Cincinnati Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, Lowry Park Zoo, Miami Seaquarium, Save the Manatee Club, SeaWorld of Florida, University of Florida, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey- Sirenia Project, Wildlife Trust and Walt Disney World Epcot: The Seas with Nemo and Friends.

Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge where the water temperature remains a constant 72 degrees, creating a safe haven for the West Indian Manatee, a federally listed endangered species protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection act of 1973 and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. As many as 250 different manatees have been spotted in the spring. The best opportunity to view manatees at the park is in the morning of a cold winter day. During manatee season, the spring run is closed to canoes and kayaks, and swimming is only permitted in the head spring area. Gentle, slow-moving mammals, West-Indian manatees spend the winter months in Florida’s warm waters.

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks spanning 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.

For information about Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org. For more information about the MRP and manatees currently being tracked, visit www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/Activities.cfm.