Wild Animals

Injured Manatee Rescued From Florida Keys Brush Fire, Transported To SeaWorld Orlando

Amid raging brush fires in the Florida Keys, wildlife rescuers raced against time to save an injured manatee found in the waters outside of Marathon, before safely transporting it to SeaWorld for veterinary care and rehabilitation.

Manatee Saved From Boat Injury And Florida Fires

A gripping wildlife rescue unfolded in the Florida Keys as a 9-foot injured manatee was saved from a growing brush fire zone and transported to safety. The Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team, along with members of Aquarium Encounters sprang into action on Thursday to aid the struggling manatee near Coco Plum in Marathon, Florida.

The animal, suffering from a life-threatening pneumothorax caused by a boat strike, was stabilized overnight as the spreading fire complicated rescue efforts.

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The wildfire, which has scorched more than 41 square miles in southern Miami-Dade County, forced multiple road closures, including parts of U.S. 1, the main highway connecting the Florida Keys to the mainland. Firefighters warned that worsening drought conditions and persistent low humidity could force further shutdowns if flames continued to push toward roads – a concern making travel even more difficult for rescue teams.

“The typical procedure is for the rescued manatee to be immediately transported to a rehabilitation facility in Central Florida,” said the Dolphin Research Center in a statement, “Due to the brush fire currently restricting traffic just north of the Florida Keys, this is not possible.”

By Friday morning, officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) navigated the fire-affected area and successfully transferred the manatee to SeaWorld Orlando, where it is receiving critical veterinary care and rehabilitation.

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As firefighters battle the blaze, which is 80% contained, wildlife responders continue to navigate dangerous conditions to protect Florida’s endangered species.

Experts from the Dolphin Research Center remain on call to assist fire-affected marine wildlife in the Florida area, working closely with state and federal agencies. Anyone who spots an animal in distress is urged to call 1-888-404-3922 and avoid direct interaction with the animal.

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