A 410-pound manatee trapped in a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, Florida, has been successfully rescued after seeking warmth during an unusually cold winter. Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) reported that a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies led to the animal’s liberation.
Rescue teams, including BCFR’s stations 48 and 64, Indialantic Fire Rescue, the Melbourne Beach Fire Department, and the University of Florida’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services, worked together for several hours to free the marine mammal. Following the rescue, the manatee was transported to the SeaWorld Rescue Center for observation. The animal appeared stable but was found to be underweight and had multiple open wounds on its underside, particularly near the tail and flippers.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), the juvenile manatee, measuring approximately 7 feet in length, showed signs of recovery by expressing interest in food during its first night in care. FWRI emphasized the importance of timely reporting in such situations, noting that a quick call to the Wildlife Alert Hotline by an employee from Haley Ward, Inc. enabled responders to act swiftly.
Collaboration and Training Prove Vital
The successful rescue coincided with the completion of large-animal rescue training conducted by Brevard County. BCFR stated that the timing of the training was fortunate, as it directly contributed to their ability to assist the trapped manatee. “This is a perfect example of how important continuous training and education opportunities are for Fire Rescue,” the department shared.
FWRI has also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any injured or distressed manatees they encounter. “Your call may save an animal’s life,” FWRI stated, reiterating the significance of community involvement in wildlife rescue efforts.
The cold weather has not only impacted manatees in Florida but has also led to an influx of invasive green iguanas being turned in to the FWC. Thousands of these reptiles have been collected due to a recent cold snap, which temporarily stunned them. Falling from trees due to muscle control loss, the iguanas have become a concern for residents, prompting a temporary executive order that allows the public to collect cold-stunned lizards without a permit.
As the winter season continues, the welfare of wildlife remains a shared responsibility, underscoring the importance of community engagement and timely reporting in safeguarding Florida’s unique ecosystems.
