In June 2025, Georgia Aquarium welcomed two temporary residents to our off-site care facility: Lorenzo and Alfredo. The young manatees were rescued after being found stranded and emaciated along the coast of Florida. There are several natural reasons a manatee may need rescue. The most common are cold stress, red tide, and becoming tidally stranded.

As a proud partner in the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership  (MRP), Georgia Aquarium stepped in to provide a safe haven where Lorenzo and Alfredo could regain weight, build strength, and continue developing until they were healthy enough to return to their native waters.

See more from their arrival

Growing Stronger Every Day

Under the watchful care of our dedicated animal care and veterinary teams, Lorenzo and Alfredo steadily gained weight and improved body condition. When Lorenzo first arrived at our off-site care facility, he weighed under 300 pounds. Their daily routine included specialized nutrition plans, routine health monitoring, and behavioral observations to ensure they were progressing as expected. 

By the time Lorenzo was cleared for release, he had more than doubled his weight, at 639 pounds. A powerful milestone that reflects months of attentive care and steady recovery.

Before any manatee is cleared for release, they must pass comprehensive health assessments. This includes physical exams, bloodwork, and other diagnostics. These evaluations, along with months of attentive care, help ensure each manatee has the best possible chance for long-term survival after they are released.

A Journey Home

On February 17, our team traveled to Florida’s coast to reunite Lorenzo with his natural habitat. Working alongside our partners at Zoo Tampa, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), and other MRP organizations, Lorenzo was successfully released back into his home waters. A heartwarming and milestone moment for everyone involved in his care.

Prior to release, Lorenzo was fitted with a satellite tag to help researchers monitor his movements and post-release progress. CMARI will oversee tracking efforts, allowing experts to gather valuable data.

Take a look at his release.

Because he is just under the 600-pound release benchmark, Alfredo will continue receiving expert care from the Zoo Tampa team until he reaches the necessary criteria for release. Every manatee’s rehabilitation timeline is unique. Continued monitoring ensures Alfredo will return to his native waters with the best chance for survival.

Continuing the Mission

The successful rehabilitation and release of manatees like Lorenzo represents more than a single milestone; they symbolize hope for a species that continues to face environmental challenges. Collaborative conservation efforts like the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership demonstrate the powerful impact of teamwork, combined expertise, and compassionate care.

Georgia Aquarium is honored to play a vital role in this mission, supporting the protection and preservation of these mellow marine mammals.