DELAND -- Two manatees were released back into the waters of Blue Spring State Park last week.
With recent cold weather in Central Florida, biologists are keeping a close eye on the sea cows, hoping they properly adjust to their new environments.
Eight-year-old Bock was released at Blue Spring Feb. 24. He was rescued as an orphan and spent the last six years at Disney's Epcot.
Rita, one of the largest manatees ever, was released Feb. 26 at Blue Spring. The 12-foot-long, 3,000-pound sea cow has spent more than 26 years in captivity after being rescued from the Banana River in Merritt Island after being entangled in a crab trap.
Biologists at the park said they are happy the cold weather is here, because it gives them a chance to track the manatees, hoping to see them seek out warm waters as the temperatures drop.
The temporary cold snap will let researchers know that the newly released manatees are adjusting well to their new homes.
Tracking The Manatees
The manatees are being tracked via satellite after being fitted with a GPS tracking belt.
The Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership has released the maps below, tracking Rita's whereabouts since her release last week.
Rita
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As you can see, Rita has stayed very close to the warm waters of the spring. Biologists at the park said she is doing amazingly well adjusting.
Bock
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Unlike Rita, Bock has traveled far from the spring. He was last spotted up near Lake Beresford. Biologists said it is too early to be concerned about Bock, but they are keeping an eye on him.
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