Calliope initially arrived at ZooTampa as an orphaned calf, with her umbilical cord still partially attached. Weighing only 62 pounds, she was one of the smallest manatee calves ever treated at ZooTampa’s Critical Care Center. After her initial stay at ZooTampa, Calliope moved to the Cincinnati Zoo for continued care, ensuring she remained happy and healthy before her release at Three Sisters Springs on February 13, 2024, where she weighed in at a remarkable 920 pounds. Shortly after her release, Calliope was rescued again in late March, as she had not left the area where she was initially released.

She returned to ZooTampa for further care before moving to Welaka National Fish Hatchery for pre-release conditioning, where she continued to struggle. Members of the MRP worked closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to discuss options for Calliope. Ultimately, they decided on a new release site to improve her chances. On February 11, 2025, Calliope returned to Florida waters at Blue Spring State Park, weighing 1,080 pounds.