The second of two manatees rescued from coastal Alabama waters and rehabilitated at SeaWorld Orlando is back in the wild.

The manatee rescued the week before Christmas from the Theodore Industrial Canal off Mobile Bay was released on Wednesday, April 23. It was named Mardi Gras and joined OWA in the waters of Crystal River, Florida. OWA, rescued in Magnolia River in January, was released at the beginning of April.

Mardi Gras, the manatee, was spotted by a fisherman on December 17, 2024, in the westernmost area of the Industrial Canal. According to the staff from DISL’s Manatee Sighting Network, the manatee had signs of cold stress, including appearing skinny with some skin discoloration. He was rescued on December 19 and transported to SeaWorld Orlando with the support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and other members of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP).

Cold stress is the leading cause of death for manatees in Alabama and nearby waters along the northern Gulf of Mexico, and rescue success is limited.

Currently, with warming waters, manatees are starting their migration to coastal Alabama waters. You’re encouraged to report any manatee sightings to DISL’s Manatee Sighting Network. This helps to increase the understanding of manatee migration to the area.

Please report manatee sightings as soon as possible to DISL’s MSN by dialing 1-866-493-5803. If animals appear sick or distressed, choose the emergency reporting option when prompted. Non-emergency sightings can also be reported online at manatee.disl.edu.

Visit manatee.disl.edu for more information on manatees in our area and recommendations on safely sharing our local waterways with these protected marine mammals.