‘Minnow’ is a 745-pound manatee that got gashed by a boat. He’s back in Keys waters again
Minnow the manatee was struck by a boat propeller in March in the Florida Keys, suffering gashes and five broken ribs, along with other internal injuries.
But he’s back home today.
On Wednesday, he was released back to the sea from a boat ramp on Key Colony Beach.
About 10 people hoisted him out of the back of a truck on a large blue tarp and carried him to the water, where they set him down and let him take it from there.
Minnow, a subadult manatee, was rescued March 14 on Grassy Key after a two-day effort by the Dolphin Research Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters.
He was then taken to the Miami Seaquarium for treatment and rehabilitation.
“When Minnow was rescued, not only did he have pretty horrific gashes but five broken ribs and significant swelling,” said Mary Stella, director of media and marketing at the Dolphin Research Center. “It just takes time. The boats can do a lot of damage. Boat strikes can kill an animal.”
The manatee’s release Wednesday was a gratifying sight, Stella said.
“There is a lot of personal joy when you can see an animal that you’ve helped return to the Keys, to the water, where you know they can contribute to their species’ survival,” Stella said. “We’re sad so many have to be rescued. But to see it come full circle like this, it is a very special day.”
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