[KEY LARGO, FL] On Thursday (3/2/23), Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team (DRC) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) rescued an injured juvenile manatee in a canal in Key Largo, FL. The approximately 6.5 foot long female animal was assessed as suffering injury due to a fishing line entanglement. The entanglement resulted in severe injury, causing the right flipper to self amputate. After DRC veterinarian Dr. Scott Gearhart performed an on-scene examination and treatment, it was determined no further medical attention was needed and the manatee was released back into the canal.
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.
