Manatee Rescued From Oldsmar Retention Pond: Officials

OLDSMAR, FL — A manatee was recently rescued from a retention pond at Bicentennial Park in Oldsmar, city officials wrote in a Facebook post.

The manatee rescue team from ZooTampa was called in Aug. 9 to assist with the rescue after the animal was stranded in the retention pond after Hurricane Debby moved along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Fox 13 reported.

Rising waters from the storm allowed the manatee to swim into the retention pond, reports said. The animal was stranded when the water receded.

After a health assessment, the manatee was safely released into the open waters at Veterans Park, officials said.

“Thanks to the quick response and teamwork of several organizations, this gentle giant is now back where he belongs,” the city wrote.