PISTACHIO (click for field notes) - 3052

Pistachio is a young male manatee who was rescued from the Halifax River in Daytona Beach in July 1998.  He was small, alone, and malnourished.  He was brought to SeaWorld Florida for treatment and has been there for rehabilitation ever since.  Pistachio was released at Blue Spring State Park which is an excellent place for manatees.  It has good habitat and excellent staff, including Ranger Wayne Hartley, who know many of the manatees there by sight. 

The following are pictures of Pistachio’s release provided courtesy of the USGS/Sirenia Project:

Pistachio is given a belt and tag for tracking.

It takes many people to carry Pistachio down to the water for release.

Pistachio makes some new, wild friends when he is released in the spring run.

Pistachio seems to blend right in, except for the freeze brand on his back and his belt and tag.