Unlikely Pair Frappuccino And Taz Released Back Into The Ocean
Featured Image Credit: Miami 7
By Laura O’Brien
Miami Seaquarium released Frappuccino and Taz back into the wild at Vero Beach, Florida this March, but there was something odd about the pair. “The manatee is Frappuccino,” said Jessica Schiffhauer of the Seaquarium; and Taz is a sea turtle. The unlikely duo was found separately, both struggling in the wild, and each was taken in for rehabilitation. “[Frappuccino] was brought in at the beginning of January of this year. He was a boat strike, and he was floating when he was brought in,” according to Schiffhauer. Taz was a repeat customer at Miami Seaquarium, Schiffhauer said, “this is Taz’s third time in rehab. The first two times, she was just very lethargic, so they got her some antibiotics. This time, though, it does look like she was hit by a boat. She has some distinct markings on the back of her shell”.
After he was rescued near Fort Pierce, Frappuccino was given a series of test tube procedures in order to mend his torn lung. Taz has received multiple treatments throughout her three visits in rehab, including attention for parasites, liver problems, and even displaced fractures. Hopefully, Taz will be able to stay out of trouble this time, Schiffhauer said, “yes, wish us luck. Third time’s a charm”. The newly rehabilitated animals were released within five minutes of each other at Vero Beach. We hope the two stay in good health now that they are back in the wild!
Learn more from our sources, http://www.wfla.com/news/florida/manatee-green-sea-turtle-return-to-florida-waters-together_20180312043314675/1030598459 , and https://wsvn.com/news/local/manatee-and-turtle-released-into-ocean-in-vero-beach-after-rehab/
