An orphaned 3-week old manatee is being cared for at SeaWorld Orlando.
The female calf was brought to SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue and rehabilitation facility last week by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) after being rescued in the Tomoka River behind a home in Ormond Beach.
SeaWorld says the tiny 66-pound calf had been on her own for more than 24 hours and was confused, lost and lacking vital nutrients from nursing.
She is being bottle-fed seven times a day and looked after around the clock by SeaWorld’s veterinarians and animal care experts.
The team will continue to care for the manatee in hopes to return her to the natural environment once she is strong and mature enough to survive.
If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 1-888-404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.