Rehabilitated manatee released back into wild
Aug 24, 2011 6:24 PM EDT
ENGLEWOOD, FL -
An endangered animal's wounds have healed after being struck by a boat in Charlotte County earlier this year. And Wednesday, the manatee was released back in water.
Freida Ghates got a new start at life. She was released back into the wild with an amputated tail - caused by a collision with a boat propeller.
Gail Klotz, the woman who helped save the endangered manatee, was there to watch Freida return home.
She was the one who found Freida in distress three months ago near her home in Englewood.
The 1,100 animal was rescued and then rehabilitated by the Tampa Lowry Park Zoo.
"It's an amazing feeling to be able to give an animal a second chance like that," said Virginia Edmond, with the zoo. "It's a little bittersweet. We all know it's a very tough life for manatees. But it's also where they belong."
She went on to explain that Freida is pregnant.
And Klotz says she is filled with anticipation, hoping to see her again.
"It's like any parent would feel when their kids get the keys to the car and drive off. I am hoping Freida will come back to where I first saw her and have her baby," she said.
By Leigh Dana
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