On July 22, Dolphin Research Center (DRC) responded to an urgent call to assess and rescue an adult manatee near Faro Blanco Resort following a suspected boat strike. But despite the efforts of a coordinated team of marine mammal responders, the manatee succumbed to its injuries hours after the rescue effort.
DRC’s manatee rescue team responded to the distressed manatee in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The effort was also supported by Marathon Fire Rescue, Aquarium Encounters and the Turtle Hospital.
At the site of the rescue, the manatee was assessed by Dolphin Research Center’s veterinarian and determined to be in critical condition, requiring immediate specialized care and rehabilitation. FWC transported the manatee to SeaWorld Orlando for further treatment.
Unfortunately, the manatee did not survive its injuries and died later the same evening.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of this manatee,” said Allie Proskovec, Dolphin Research Center’s director of media and marketing. “Every rescue is an opportunity to give an animal the best chance possible, and we are grateful for the dedicated individuals and organizations who came together today to respond quickly and provide the care this manatee needed. While the outcome is heartbreaking, this collaborative response demonstrates the importance of having trained wildlife professionals and rescue organizations ready to act when an animal is in distress.”
Boat strikes are a serious threat to Florida manatees. Boaters are reminded to remain vigilant, obey posted speed zones and watch carefully for manatees, particularly in shallow waters and areas where manatees are known to gather.
Dolphin Research Center is the sole licensed manatee rescue team in the Florida Keys. The organization encourages anyone who spots a manatee that may be injured, entangled, or in distress to call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
