[TAVERNIER, FL] On Marine Mammal Rescue day, Saturday (4/27/24), Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team (DRC), Dolphins Plus, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rescued a young, entangled manatee in Tavernier, FL. The approximately 8-foot female animal was assessed as suffering from entanglement in monofilament fishing line, causing injury. She was able to be treated onsite by Dolphin Research Center Veterinarian Dr. Scott Gearhart and immediately be released. The manatee already had a missing right flipper due to a previous entanglement injury. Dr. Gearhart was able to save the left flipper and remove the fishing line. This case is a perfect example of why it is imperative to dispose of any used or unused fishing line responsibly.
To report a manatee in distress, call 1-888-404-FWCC(3922). Please do not attempt to approach or assist the manatee. Above all, do not get into the water. Manatees are normally very gentle, but they are still wild, powerful animals and can weigh up to a ton! Getting in the water puts you at risk, and your good intentions may scare away the injured animal and prevent professional rescuers from giving it assistance.
Founded in 1984, Dolphin Research Center is home to a family of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions.The nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is located at 58901 (mile marker 59) Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Florida. In addition to being a highly respected education and research facility, DRC is the Licensed Manatee Rescue Team for the Florida Keys and is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. For more information, visit www.dolphins.org.
