Grassy Key… A manatee injured by a boat in the Florida Keys is now receiving treatment for her injuries thanks to Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). On Friday, March 16th, the female manatee was rescued near Jasmine Street in Key Largo. She had been observed with cuts on her back from a propeller and buoyancy issues which made her “ride high” in the water and compromised her mobility. Dubbed Jasmine by the rescue crew, she was transported to Miami Seaquarium for treatment and rehabilitation. Antibiotics have been administered to ward off infection and staff report that she is eating well and socializing with other manatees in her pool. Her condition will be carefully assessed as she continues to heal. When she is deemed completely recovered from her injuries, she will be transported back to the Florida Keys and released.
According to marine mammal medical personnel and manatee biologists, the animal may have suffered an internal injury to its lung which permitted air to leak into the body cavity. This trapped air increases the buoyancy of the manatee which can make it more difficult for the animal to stay submerged beneath the water’s surface and dive to the sea grass beds to feed. X-rays will determine whether any of the manatee’s ribs were broken by the boat strike.
“Jasmine is fortunate that area residents saw her injuries and alerted authorities so that she could be rescued and helped,” said DRC’s Chief Operating Officer Armando “Mandy” Rodriguez. “She serves as a strong reminder for all boaters to pay attention to posted slow speed zones and be aware of manatees in our local waters.” Licensed by the federal government, Dolphin Research Center’s manatee rescue team responds to calls about injured, entangled, ill or orphaned manatees from Key Largo to Key West.
Founded in 1984, Dolphin Research Center is located at 58901 (mile marker 59) Overseas Highway in Grassy Key, FL. Home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, the non-profit center is open daily for the public to see narrated behavior sessions and educational presentations, and to participate in interactive programs with the dolphins. All of DRC’s mission-based activities, including their manatee rescue efforts, are funded by admission and program fees as well as by private donors and members. One of the most highly respected education and research facilities in the world, DRC is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.
