A pair of manatees — mother and calf — were released back into the wild this week, roughly 20 months after they had to be rescued after the mother suffered what experts described as a “catastrophic” wound from a boat strike.

According to the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), the mother, named “Reckless,” was not expected to survive given the severity of the wound to her shoulder. Her calf, named “Churro,” was still dependent on its mother and so the two were rescued together.

The two manatees were taken to SeaWorld Orlando for treatment and care.

“Reckless had a very poor prognosis upon arrival at SeaWorld, but it was clear from the beginning that the mother and calf pair were fighters, and our veterinary team was determined to give them another shot at life,” said Dr. Stacy DiRocco, a SeaWorld senior veterinarian.

“Our extensive veterinary care for Reckless included amputation of her pectoral flipper, multiple surgeries to battle infection and promote healing, radiographs, cold laser therapy, gastroscopy and intensive medical care to stabilize and overcome her injuries – and she proved resilient through it all.”

Friday, people from numerous agencies across Florida gathered to assist in releasing Reckless and Churro into their natural habitat at Port Everglades.

Prior to their release, biologists marked Reckless’ existing scar patterns and took photos for the statewide database, according to the MRP. The scars are marked with orange grease marker which will wash off in a few days.

Satellite tracking devices were attached to both manatees to allow for their movements to be monitored, the MRP said, adding that Reckless had been previously documented in south Florida, explaining why they were released back into that area.

SeaWorld Orlando is considered the largest manatee rescue center in the U.S., with three critical care centers able to accommodate as many as 60 manatees.