Recovered Manatees Released Back Into Warm Waters

It was a grand day today for Miami Seaquarium rescue manatees, Kiandra and Glades.

The two orphaned mammals, rescued in 2008 and 2009, respectively - were released back into the wild after spending the first few years of their lives in captivity.

This effort, put forth with the collaboration of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership, the Sea to Shore Alliance and the Miami Seaquarium, was no easy feat and lasted nearly six hours.

Kiandra, who was rescued off the waters of Key Largo in 2008, had to be bottle fed every two hours until nursed back to health when she first arrived at the facility.

She was released near the warm waters of Turkey Point.

Glades, who was likely named after the spot where she was rescued - Port Everglades, is back where she was found.

After nearly three years, both manatees are back at home in the wild.

Officials say both mammals have received satellite tags and will be moitored by biologists for the next year.

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