This browser does not support the Video element.
A manatee that was rescued from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach in February will be released back into Florida waters after months of rehabilitation at SeaWorld.
Melby, as the manatee has become known, will be released on Tuesday, according to Melbourne Beach officials.
The release is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Ballard Park in Melbourne.
The public is invited to attend.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP
The backstory:
Melby was found inside a stormwater drain under a Melbourne Beach road on Feb. 8.
He was trapped inside a "baffle box," a part of the drain designed to collect debris before the runoff enters the river.
A view of the rescue scene in Melbourne Beach. Credit: Brevard County Fire Rescue
Crews from local, state and federal agencies worked for hours to break through concrete and several feet of dirt to reach the trapped animal.
Officials said he probably swam into the drain during the area's cold snap in search of warmth.
SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS
SeaWorld rehabilitation going well
After his rescue, Melby was taken to SeaWorld for rehabilitation.
When he first arrived, SeaWorld officials said he was moving on his own and showed interest in food.
Melby, a manatee rescued from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, recovers at SeaWorld Orlando. (Credit: SeaWorld)
Melby is classified as a sub-adult male. He weighed just over 400 pounds when he was rescued.
In the months since arriving at SeaWorld, Melby has thrived. He gained over 40 pounds and has enjoyed eating all the lettuce, SeaWorld told FOX 35 last month.
Community support
Melby's story has drawn a lot of interest from the public.
Melbourne Beach officials and members of the Rotary Club of Melbourne Beach visited Melby on March 25 to check on his recovery.
The Rotary Club is also raising money to cover the cost of Melby's rescue, recovery and release. A GoFundMe campaign called "Bring Melby Home" was launched with the goal of raising $16,000. Money raised from the campaign will also go toward protective measures to prevent other manatees from becoming trapped in stormwater systems.
"This isn't just about one manatee. It's about protecting the Indian River Lagoon," the group said on the GoFundMe page.
The Source: This article was written with information released by the Town of Melbourne Beach and SeaWorld Orlando and from previous FOX 35 reporting.