ORLANDO, Florida – Yesterday, the SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team traveled to Merritt Island, Florida, to rescue a female manatee. The manatee was rescued from the Merritt Island National WildlifeRefuge in Brevard County, Fla., the same spot where a male manatee was rescued last weekend. SeaWorld says that there is still one more manatee out there – but it hasn’t been spotted and will be rescued once it is seen.
Estimated to be approximately 7 feet in length and weighing around 540 pounds, the female manatee was rescued for several reasons – she was trapped in an area of the waterway where she couldn’t navigate her way out and she was exhibiting symptoms of cold stress.
Upon arrival at SeaWorld Orlando late yesterday, animal experts took blood samples and assessed her condition further. For now, the manatee is in guarded condition and will be monitored closely during the next few days.
In collaboration with the government and other members of accredited stranding networks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue ill and injured marine animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return to the ocean. SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 22,000 animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned – for more than four decades. This year alone, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 16 and returned 10 manatees back to their natural habitat.
If you see injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 1(888) 404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.
SOURCE and VIDEO CREDIT: SeaWorld Orlando
All manatee rescue footage produced by SeaWorld under FWS Permit Number MA7701911.