Injured Florida Manatee and Calf Rescued, Taken to SeaWorld for Rehabilitation
An injured mother manatee and her calf have been successfully rescued from a river in Florida and transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation, according to officials. The rescue operation, which took place this week, highlights ongoing efforts to protect these vulnerable marine mammals in the state.
Drone-Assisted Rescue Operation on the Orange River
The rescue was conducted on Wednesday in the Orange River near Fort Myers, with drone pilots playing a crucial role. They provided an aerial view to guide a boat operated by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staffers toward the manatees. The drones buzzed overhead to document the entire process as the animals were carefully extracted from the water.
Video footage released by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office shows the rescue team making a wide circle around the sea cows to corral them using what appears to be a fishing net. After some effort, half a dozen people managed to heave the thrashing manatees onto the boat, sliding the mother and calf onto the open stern and slippery deck. Manatees, also known as sea cows, can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length and weigh as much as 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms), making such rescues challenging.
Transport and Rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando
Following the rescue, at least one manatee was offloaded in a sling at a boat ramp, with assistance from the sheriff’s marine unit and advanced technology support unit. The injured mother manatee and her calf were then transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation, as confirmed by Kelly Richmond, the wildlife agency's Research Communications Director. Officials have not yet provided details on how the mother was injured or the current conditions of the animals.
This rescue is part of a larger trend, with the mother and calf being among at least six manatees rescued in Lee County since February 19. These rescues are primarily due to issues such as cold stress, watercraft injuries, and malnutrition. Statewide, at least 24 other manatees have been rescued this year, and more than 20 rehabilitated animals have been released back into the wild through the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership.
Broader Context of Manatee Rescues in Florida
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by manatees in Florida's waters. Earlier this month, another manatee seeking warmer waters was rescued from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, highlighting the species' vulnerability to environmental stressors. Conservation efforts continue to be vital, with partnerships between wildlife agencies and facilities like SeaWorld playing a key role in rehabilitation and release programs.
As manatee populations face threats from human activities and climate-related factors, such rescue operations are essential for their survival. The use of advanced technology, such as drones, is becoming increasingly important in improving the efficiency and safety of these missions, ensuring that more of these gentle giants receive the care they need.
