Meet Orchid, one of the juvenile female manatees currently at CMA’s Dr. James “Buddy” Powell Manatee Rehabilitation Center. Orchid was rescued as an orphan, weighing 165 pounds, by myfwc (FWC) and mrp_manatee (MRP) partners in Kings Bay, Crystal River, FL, on March 13, 2024. Orchid received critical care at seaworldorlando before being transferred to cincinnatizoo for second-stage care on October 7, 2024. Orchid arrived at Clearwater Marine Aquarium on November 10, 2025, and is expected to be released in Crystal River, FL in early 2026. The CMA Research Institute will be tagging and monitoring Orchid for the MRP following her release. At CMA, Orchid seems to especially enjoy lettuce cores and is often observed moving the bottom feeders to get to them. All activities conducted under USFWS Permit #MA66524C