De Soto (click name for field notes) 

De Soto was a small, dependant manatee when he was rescued by himself in the Gulf of Mexico near Ft. De Soto Park in December of 2002.  He was only 74 cm. long.  He was taken to Lowry Park Zoo where he has spent the last two winters.  He was released with Salvador and New Bay in the TECO Big Bend power plant at Apollo Beach on 2/26/04. 

De Soto is outfitted with a belt and tag so scientists can track him.