Rescued as an orphan, Rocky is a manatee success story.
Rocket was rescued as a orphaned calf at Blue Spring State Park in 2005.
At the time, he was nicknamed “Tiny” because he was so small. He was taken
to SeaWorld Orlando for treatment, where he was renamed “Rocket” because he
had been known to “rocket” around the tank during his rehabilitation. When
Rocket was released at Blue Spring two years later, he was a healthy 745
pounds and immediately rocketed around the run, living up to his name.
Annie, another Blue Spring adoptee, and Rocket were in the same tank at
SeaWorld, and when they were released, they stayed together for about a year
and a half. This behavior is unusual outside of mother and calf pairs. But
wherever Annie went, Rocket was sure to follow. The park staff called them
the “kids” or the “twins.”
Both Annie and Rocket have returned to winter at Blue Spring, although by
now, they have gone their separate ways. After staying with Annie in the
wild for a year and a half, Rocket went out on his own. He is still small
for an adult male and will probably always be that way.
Rocket is available for adoption, and each person who adopts him will
receive a full-color photo, biography, and adoption certificate, as well as
a membership handbook and subscription to The Manatee Zone, a newsletter
featuring updates on the adopted manatees when they are sighted, and Paddle
Tales, Save the Manatee Club’s bi-monthly eNewsletter. For more information
about adopting Rocket, go to Save The
Manatee Club or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646).
Return to: Animal Stories