Grassy Key, FL… In recent weeks, the news media has reported that an out-dated toll free number used for reporting injured manatees now connects callers to a phone-sex chat line. Unfortunately, although the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission activated the new number of 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) over a year ago, that old 800 number still appears on thousands of existing signs. To help publicize the correct number, Dolphin Research Center (DRC), the Florida Keys licensed manatee rescue team, is offering special magnets, printed with the correct FWCC telephone number. Residents can stop by the DRC gift shop, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to get a magnet while supplies last.
The free magnets are also available at John Pennekamp State Park, mm 102 in Key Largo and the Free Press office, 6363 Overseas Highway in Marathon.
For residents who live on canals, open water or in marinas, the center also has special metal Please Watch for Manatees signs, available free while supplies last. To request a sign, please call Mary Stella at 289-1121, ext. 254.
Dolphin Research Center is the only Manatee Rescue Team in the Florida Keys authorized by the state and federal governments. The team includes specially trained, experienced assessors, rescuers and medical personnel. In 2003, the DRC team handled close to 100 calls from members of the public who wanted to report a manatee in some sort of distress. Not every manatee reported was suffering from an injury, entanglement or other problem. Often, people call because they see an animal behavior that is unfamiliar to them, but perfectly natural for the manatee. However, almost 70 of those 100 calls resulted in DRC-trained personnel performing on-site assessments and aid.
More than half of the phone calls and assessments occurred in February and March, when more manatees migrate to the warmer Keys waters from other areas of Florida. If you see an injured, entangled or orphaned manatee, please call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
The call is the first step in launched a trained, professional response. Please do not get into the water to assist as this may put you and the animal at greater risk. In addition, your attempt may frighten off the manatee and make it impossible for rescuers to find.
One well-known manatee named Bonnie was rescued by DRC, treated and released for the fifth time last November. She is outfitted with a special satellite tag and is monitored on a regular basis. When recently seen by assessors, her injured flipper was healing well and she was free of any entanglement.
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, DRC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence, cooperation and communication between marine mammals and humans and the environment through research and education. Located on the Overseas Highway at mile marker 59, Grassy Key, the center is home to bottlenose dolphins and sea lions and is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For more information, call 305-289-1121, 254.
