Rescued manatees released into Florida Keys waters

Marine rescue volunteers released two manatees back into Florida Keys waters on Wednesday.

Amber Howell, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission research associate, says animals still need help amid the virus pandemic.

"We're out here rescuing any injured manatees and releasing them as soon as they're healed and ready to go back out," she said.

Spookey, the first manatee released, was injured in a boat accident before being rescued in October 2019.

Scott was rescued in February 2020 after becoming entangled in a fishing line.

Both were taken to the Miami Seaquarium for rehabilitation.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is usually first to hear reports of manatee sightings.

Staff from the Dolphin Research Center, Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder and Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters help with the rescues and releases.

Manatees are listed as a threatened species under the US Endangered Species Act.

Recreational boaters can help by staying out of shallow waters and seagrass beds where manatees feed, according to the Florida Keys News Bureau.