Fort Lauderdale, Florida– A manatee that got stuck in a storm drain in Florida during this Seeking warm water He is now on the mend at SeaWorld Orlando after a massive rescue effort.
Several fire rescue units and officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida and even Jack’s Wrecker Service were brought in Tuesday to remove the 410-pound (186-kilogram) sea cow from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach.
Crews gathered at the scene after a Melbourne Beach worker discovered the manatee, Deputy Mayor Terry Cronin told WESH-TV in Orlando.
“We’re improving stormwater drainage across Melbourne Beach. Our staff was doing a survey. One of the surveyors noticed a manatee in what’s called the Bethel Box.” Cronin said.
Spokeswoman Stephanie Bishara said the male manatee was transferred to SeaWorld Orlando, where he is being cared for in one of the park’s medical pools.
“He breathes on his own, moves independently and shows interest in food,” Bishara said. “Our teams adjust water levels to support buoyancy and comfort as part of his care.”
She said they are working to stabilize and rehabilitate the rescued manatees so they can eventually be released back into the wild.
Protected species are still recovering from mass starvation. In 2021, officials recorded more than 1,100 manatee deathsmostly caused by famine. The state Fish and Wildlife Agency said the number of deaths has decreased significantly, with 565 deaths recorded in 2024, and 555 deaths in 2023.
Last year, SeaWorld Orlando rescued 56 manatees and has already received seven this year.