ORLANDO — As you may remember, Melby the manatee was rescued from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach by the SeaWorld Rescue Team in February before being successfully released back into the wild in April.
While the community rallied together during Melby’s rescue, his story is just one example of how agencies, residents and the SeaWorld Rescue Team continue working together to help animals in need. Following Melby’s rescue, the team went on to surpass a major milestone, helping more than 43,000 injured, sick and orphaned animals, underscoring the ongoing need for wildlife rescue and conservation efforts.
In the first few months of 2026, SeaWorld Rescue teams in Florida provided medical assistance and rehabilitation to 21 manatees and a baby dolphin, along with nearly 40 turtles/reptiles and several birds. SeaWorld Orlando has the largest manatee rescue operation in the U.S. and one of only five critical care centers in the U.S. Its five-acre rescue center can care for up to 60 manatees at a time…