On August 31, a rescued manatee named Citron returned to the waters of Crystal River, Florida.
The area is widely known as the “Manatee Capital of the World.”
Citron had already been rescued once before. In 2025, she was treated and released back into the wild.
But earlier this year, she needed help again.
A Second Rescue
In January, Citron was found in Kings Bay swimming on her side after being hit by a boat.
Veterinary staff at SeaWorld Orlando discovered that she had suffered a collapsed lung.
Her second injury was more serious than the first. She needed several medical procedures, including surgery.
Over the next seven months, Citron received constant care from veterinarians and animal specialists.
Her condition slowly improved.
She began eating normally again, her health stabilized, and her buoyancy returned to normal.
Ready to Return Home
The team caring for Citron became very attached to her.
Seeing her recover for a second time made her release especially meaningful.
After months of treatment, she was finally healthy enough to return to the wild.
Her release was an emotional moment for the people who had cared for her.
You can read more about the rescue here.
SeaWorld’s Rescue Work
SeaWorld has faced criticism over its treatment of animals in the past.
In 2016, the company ended its captive orca breeding program following years of public criticism.
At the same time, SeaWorld continues to operate a large marine rescue program.
Since 1965, the organization says it has helped more than 43,000 marine animals.
Citron is one of its latest successful rescues.
After a long recovery, she is now back where she belongs.