Orphaned manatee calf saved by wildlife rescuers in the Florida Keys, officials say
State wildlife officers and a marine mammal rescue group saved a manatee calf Tuesday morning after it was determined to be orphaned.
The combined team from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Dolphin Research Center monitored the 5-foot male juvenile for more than 24 hours and concluded he wasn’t being cared for by an adult manatee, said Allie Proskovec, a Dolphin Research Center spokeswoman.
The rescue happened in the Middle Keys city of Marathon.
Dr. Scott Gearhart, veterinarian for the Grassy Key-based marine mammal rescue group, evaluated the young mammal, which Proskovec said will be transported to SeaWorld Orlando for care and rehabilitation.
David Goodhue
Miami Herald