[KEY LARGO, FL] On Monday (4/24/23), Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team (DRC), Dolphin’s Plus, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) rescued an entangled adult manatee in a residential canal in Key Largo, FL. The approximately 1,400 lbs. female animal was assessed as suffering injury due to a fishing line entanglement around her muzzle/face, both pectoral flippers, and tail. This particular manatee is a well known animal in the area named Dually (pronounced Doo-Lee). She has been rescued approximately thirteen times for entanglements previously. This entanglement and consequential injuries was treated by DRC veterinarian, Dr. Scott Gearhart, and it was determined no further medical attention was needed. 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 a member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. For more information, visit www.dolphins.org.
