Notes from the Black Point Marina Releases:

From Monica Ross, Conservation Biologist:

3/4/04

Douglas and Buttons were released into Blackpoint Marina's manatee sanctuary on Wednesday.  One animal at a time was loaded from Miami Seaquarium's transport truck into FWC's rescue boat for a short boat ride to the edge of the sanctuary.  Several wild manatees were observed in the sanctuary just prior to Douglas and Button's release. 

Within an hour, both Douglas and Buttons were observed socializing and cavorting with seven wild manatees.  Douglas spent most of his time traveling all over the marina chasing a large female while Buttons moved in and out of different groups of manatees that took turns chasing each other.  When we returned to Blackpoint around 6pm, both animals were resting on the bottom but at separate ends of the marina.  Several other manatees were observed in the area also resting. 

On 3/4, Buttons was observed alone at Blackpoint Marina milling around the boat docks.    Douglas was heard (no visual obtained) traveling north of the Blackpoint channel in Biscayne Bay.  At the rate Douglas was traveling, I would say he found himself someone to follow.    

Douglas is released into the sanctuary