A manatee that became trapped in a storm drain in Florida while searching for warmer waters is now recovering at SeaWorld Orlando after a complex rescue operation. The incident, which occurred in Melbourne Beach, involved a coordinated effort from multiple agencies to free the 410-pound (186-kilogram) marine mammal.
Rescue Effort Involves Multiple Agencies
On Tuesday, fire rescue units, officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida, and even Jack’s Wrecker Service were called to the scene. The manatee was discovered by a surveyor working on storm drain improvements in the area, as reported by Melbourne Beach Vice Mayor Terry Cronin to WESH-TV in Orlando.
"We’re in the process of improving the storm drain across Melbourne Beach. Our people were doing a survey. And one of the surveyors noticed a manatee in what is called a baffle box," Cronin explained. The male manatee was carefully extracted and transported to SeaWorld Orlando for medical care.
Recovery and Rehabilitation at SeaWorld
At SeaWorld Orlando, the manatee is being treated in one of the park’s specialized medical pools. According to spokesperson Stephanie Bechara, the animal is showing positive signs of recovery.
"He’s breathing on his own, moving independently and showing interest in food. Our teams are adjusting water levels to support buoyancy and comfort as part of his care," Bechara stated. She emphasized that the goal is to stabilize and rehabilitate rescued manatees so they can eventually be returned to their natural habitat.
Broader Context of Manatee Conservation
This rescue comes at a critical time for manatees, a protected species still recovering from a severe mass starvation event. In 2021, over 1,100 manatee deaths were recorded, primarily due to starvation. However, recent data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows a significant decline in fatalities, with 565 deaths in 2024 and 555 in 2023.
SeaWorld Orlando plays a vital role in these conservation efforts. In 2023, the facility rescued 56 manatees, and it has already taken in seven this year. These initiatives are part of ongoing work to protect and preserve Florida’s vulnerable marine wildlife.
The successful rescue of this manatee underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between local authorities, wildlife agencies, and rehabilitation centers. It also highlights the challenges faced by manatees as they navigate human-altered environments in search of warmer waters during colder months.
