An extra-large manatee is now back in open waters, but not without some extra help.
While some manatees weigh in around 1,000 pounds, Marty the Manatee is more than twice that size at 2,500 pounds.
"I don't want to suggest she's fat," said Dr. Dave Murphy, of the Lowry Park Zoo.
A staff vet at a Tampa Zoo who cared for Marty said the weight comes naturally with age. Marty is estimated to be 25 to 45 years old. For about four months, she has been treated for an intestinal infection.
Her release back to the water in Merritt Island Thursday took dozens of people twisting, pulling, and tugging.
"It takes a village, said Anne Spellman, of Florida Fish and Wildlife.
It also took a crane volunteered by a Brevard County crane company. They normally lift power transformers and large doors for NASA buildings. But have they ever lifted something like this?
"Not like a manatee, no," said John Ellis, safety director for Beyel Brothers Cranes.
The crane helped haul the massive manatee out of a cargo van. The crane company also had more equipment on standby in case Marty overloaded the crane.
"It brings tears to my eyes. I'll tell you. I love manatees," Ellis said.
Marty was driven to the water and gently lowered in. About six other manatees were nearby at Kars Park where Marty was released. She swam free after being nursed back to health.
"I think it's great. She's where she outghta be. She's gotta go back out, get pregnant and have babies and contribute to the population. It's what she needs to be doing," Murphy said.