Rescue Efforts for Injured Manatee Amid Wildfire Challenges in Florida
On Thursday, a manatee rescue operation unfolded in Marathon, Florida, as authorities responded to a report of an injured marine mammal in the Coco Plum area. The unfortunate incident was believed to be a result of a boat strike, compounded by the difficulties presented by a nearby brush fire.
Discovery and Initial Assessment
The Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team, in collaboration with Aquarium Encounters, arrived at the scene to find a male manatee measuring approximately nine feet in length. “Unfortunately, this manatee was floating at the surface and could not submerge, and that usually means he has been hit by a boat,” stated Rita Irwin, the president and CEO of the Dolphin Research Center.
Condition of the Manatee
Upon examination, experts discovered that the manatee was suffering from pneumothorax, a condition characterized by air accumulation in the area surrounding the lungs. This condition creates buoyancy issues, heightening the risk of another potential boat strike.
“We needed to respond right away to this animal; it needed rescue,” emphasized Dr. Scott Gearhart, medical director at the Dolphin Research Center.
Challenges in Transporting the Manatee
The conventional procedure for manatee rescues involves transporting the animals to a rehabilitation center in Central Florida, typically with assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. However, the ongoing brush fire and closure of Card Sound Road posed significant obstacles. “Because of the fire on the 18-mile stretch, Florida Fish and Wildlife was not going to be able to come and move the manatee to a place that it could receive medical care,” explained Irwin.
Successful Retrieval and Transport
In response to these challenges, the Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team mobilized to rescue the injured animal. Utilizing a net, they expertly maneuvered the manatee with gentle coaxing. “We were able to convince the animal to move towards our net, and then a crew of approximately 16 people had to pull this net onto the ground,” said Irwin. The task was particularly daunting given the manatee’s substantial weight of around 1,000 pounds.
To facilitate transport, a U-Haul was employed. After a brief journey, the manatee was placed in a medical pool at the Dolphin Research Center for overnight observation and stabilization.
Path to Recovery
The rescue team monitored the manatee closely, ensuring its health improved through the night. Currently, the manatee is on the road to recovery and is expected to be released back into familiar waters after rehabilitation. “We always try to return a manatee to where they were rescued. We believe that the manatee knows that area,” Irwin added. Many manatees undergo rehabilitation for months, or even years, before being reintroduced to their natural habitats.
A Unique Rescue Experience
This operation marks a notable milestone for the Dolphin Research Center, as it is the first instance they have brought a manatee to their facility, despite having decades of experience in manatee rescue. “Everybody was just phenomenal in being able to handle the animal, transport it to the pool and get it in the pool, and it’s a success story,” said Gearhart.
Following its recovery at the Dolphin Research Center, the manatee will continue rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando before its eventual return to South Florida waters. Authorities remind the public that if they observe a distressed manatee, they should refrain from approaching and instead contact trained rescuers at 1-888-404-FWCC.
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