SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue team helped save 10 stranded manatees in South Carolina last month.
- SeaWorld rescue team helped rescue 10 manatees
- Manatees stranded in South Carolina river
- Rescue took 3 days and involved over a dozen groups
The manatees were spotted in a warm water outflow area of Cooper River, in Charleston.
Falling water temperatures caused the manatees to stay near the outflow for warmth rather than traveling south. The manatees were isolated from much-needed food sources and naturally warm waters, SeaWorld said.
The rescue took three days to complete. With the assistance of multiple organizations—including, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, NOAA National Ocean Services, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Brevard Zoo and others—SeaWorld rescued eight male and two female manatees.
Each manatee was evaluated by a veterinary medical team and transported to Florida.
“It is particularly gratifying to be part of such a large scale effort, with partners from all over the Southeast lending expertise and manpower,” SeaWorld’s rescue manager Jon Peterson said.
Nine of the manatees were released near Brevard County. One female manatee was taken to the Jacksonville Zoo’s critical care facility after showing signs of mild cold stress.
The Sea to Shore Alliance tagged five of the manatees before their released and will monitor the animals.