An emaciated manatee calf was pulled from the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys on Tuesday and rushed into care, a high-stakes rescue that had local teams racing the clock. Rescuers say the underweight male is now headed to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation, after volunteers and professional responders worked quickly to stabilize him and prepare him for transport.
According to the Miami Herald, Allie Proskovec, a spokeswoman for the Dolphin Research Center, said the male calf, estimated to be a little more than a year old, was discovered in critical condition at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. The calf’s mother was in the area but showed no signs of nursing, a red flag for rescuers. A Dolphin Research Center veterinarian provided preliminary medical care on site before the animal was loaded up for the trip to Orlando.
Rescue And Transport
SeaWorld Orlando will receive the calf and provide intensive, around-the-clock veterinary care while the animal regains weight and strength, according to…..