Apollo Beach, FL – On December 10, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners released a manatee named Cabbage at the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach.

Cabbage had been rescued for cold stress in February 2025 at Portosueno Park in Bradenton by FWC, Mote Marine Laboratory, and ZooTampa.

Thanks to months of dedicated care from Mote Marine Laboratory and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Cabbage made an extraordinary recovery, gaining over 450 pounds and growing more than a foot in length.

At the time of rescue, Cabbage weighed 355 pounds and measured 6.3 feet. At release, the manatee reached 810 pounds and 7.8 feet long, a testament to the intensive rehabilitation efforts.

Cabbage’s release marks a triumphant return to the wild after nearly ten months of careful monitoring and care.

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