“Darling” manatee released after recovering from red tide-related illness
LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office helped return a 1,100-pound manatee back to the wild on Wednesday. The manatee, nicknamed “Darling,” was rescued by LCSO deputies on February 13 after it got stuck in some mangroves and needed treatment for red tide-related health issues. Darling was transferred to Zoo Tampa for treatment and rehabilitation. On May 12, Darling was deemed healthy enough to head back to the wild. LCSO deputies joined forces with officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, biologists, as well as volunteers...