The male manatee was rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission near Fanning Springs yesterday morning and then transported to SeaWorld Orlando late yesterday. Estimated to be approximately 10 feet long and weighing around 1,000 pounds, the manatee was rescued because he was alone and was observed breathing rapidly.
Upon arrival at SeaWorld Orlando, animal care experts put him right into the medical pool due to the harsh weather conditions. This morning, animal care staff performed diagnostic blood sampling and tub-fed fluids and say the animal is doing okay, resting quietly. They’ll continue to monitor him closely over the next few days.
This is the fifth manatee rescued of 2012. SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to rescue, care for and return to the wild manatees, whales, sea turtles, birds and dolphins. Since the 10 parks’ rescue programs began 45 years ago, more than 20,000 animals have been rescued.
