Grassy Key, FL… Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team (DRC), the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC), and Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters rescued a distressed manatee on Wednesday, July 6th from a canal in Marathon. The approximately 9 foot long male animal was assessed as being underweight and showing a cloudy right eye. The rescue team surrounded it with a long net and pulled it up onto land. After DRC veterinarian Dr. Scott Gearhart performed an on-scene examination, the FWCC made the decision to transport the manatee to SeaWorld in Orlando for further assessment and treatment.
Founded in 1984, Dolphin Research Center is a nonprofit organization and is the licensed Manatee Rescue Team for the Florida Keys. Located at 58901 (mile marker 59) Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Florida, the center is home to dolphins and sea lions and is open daily for the public to see narrated behavior sessions and educational presentations, and to participate in interactive programs. The center is funded by admission and program fees as well as by private donors and members. For more information, visit www.dolphins.org.
