Manatee Calf Rescued in Key Largo, Transported for Rehabilitation

A young manatee calf, later named Danger, is on its way to Orlando for rehabilitation after being discovered in distress off the coast of Key Largo, Florida. The rescue operation was conducted by local citizens and wildlife officials on Tuesday.

Discovery of the Orphaned Calf

The calf was first spotted by Alex and Shannon Constantinides while they were fishing in the flats near Key Largo. While navigating through South Creek, they initially mistook the animal for a struggling grouper. “At first I thought it was maybe a grouper or something, and it was struggling. It looked small, and it didn’t even register as a manatee at first,” said Shannon.

Upon closer inspection, the couple quickly realized they were witnessing a calf in serious trouble. “Oh, my gosh, it’s a baby manatee,” Shannon exclaimed. Concerned for the animal’s survival, they promptly contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Rescue Efforts

With current conditions threatening the life of the young sea creature, the couple remained with the calf until help could arrive. “In these conditions and in that current, that manatee wouldn’t have survived much longer,” Alex noted. They were instructed to keep an eye on the calf until an FWC officer could reach the scene.

Relief came when Officer Jason Rafter arrived in a patrol boat. The couple remarked on his immediate actions, which included placing the calf on life rafts and keeping it moist with buckets of water. Alex added, “He immediately knew to put it on some life rafts and to keep it off the deck of the boat and keep it wet.”

Naming the Calf and Future Care

After transporting the calf safely back to shore, the group decided to name the manatee Danger, a nod to the precarious situation it had been in. The calf will now be sent to SeaWorld Orlando, where it will undergo necessary rehabilitation until it is mature enough for release, which may take several years.

The rescue highlights the strong sense of community among the fishing enthusiasts in the Florida Keys. Shannon remarked, “Any one of them would have done the same thing. It wasn’t even a thought not to do it,” while Alex added, “It would take a pretty cold heart to walk away from that opportunity to help.”

Conclusion

The plight of Danger the manatee serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting wildlife and the impact of community action in conservation efforts. The swift response of the Constantinides and FWC illustrates the vital role that individuals play in wildlife protection.

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