VERO BEACH, Florida — SeaWorld Orlando’s animal rescue team traveled to Indian River Shores, Florida, just north of Vero Beach, this afternoon to rescue a 10-foot manatee severely injured from a boat strike.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were notified of the manatee’s injury by a private citizen, who then alerted SeaWorld Orlando of the animal’s need to be rescued.
The injury is severe, and estimated to be a few weeks old. After an initial examination by SeaWorld’s animal care experts it was determined this manatee had several scars from previous boat strikes as well.
The adult female, weighing nearly 1,700 pounds, was transported to SeaWorld Orlando for further evaluation and care. At this time, her condition is stable. She’ll receive an extensive assessment tomorrow morning by SeaWorld’s veterinarian and animal care team.
SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals. So far in 2012, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued seven manatees. UPDATE: The female manatee is in guarded condition doing well and is currently in the medical pool at SeaWorld Orlando’s back area. Animal care specialists are keeping a close eye on her, making sure she’s eating, and is comfortable in her surroundings. This morning she was given antibiotics to help fight infection and our animal care specialists are waiting for results from her blood work.
We’ll keep you posted when we learn more.
VIDEO CREDIT: SeaWorld Orlando