Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team rescued an orphaned manatee calf in Marathon, Florida.
MARATHON, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2024): This morning, Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rescued a very young manatee in Marathon, FL. The approximately 5-foot male calf was monitored without interference for over 24 hours to determine that he was, in fact, orphaned and not being cared for by an adult manatee. He was evaluated onsite by Dolphin Research Center Veterinarian, Dr. Scott Gearhart and is being transported to SeaWorld Orlando for care and rehabilitation.
About the Dolphin Research Center
Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1984 by Jayne Shannon-Rodriguez and Armando “Mandy” Rodriguez. Through education, research, and rescue, Dolphin Research Center promotes peaceful coexistence, cooperation, and communication between marine mammals, humans, and the environment we share with the well-being of DRC’s animals taking precedence. Dolphin Research Center is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) and the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA).
About our Manatee Rescue Team
Dolphin Research Center is the only licensed Manatee Rescue Team in the Florida Keys. For more than three decades, we have responded to countless of these animals when they are in trouble. From orphaned babies to those wounded by boat hits, entanglements, or others suffering from disease or other harmful conditions, when a manatee needs help, we are ready to come to its aid.
Professional, specially-trained, experienced assessors, rescuers, and medical personnel make up our team. Training is crucial to reduce the risk of injury to both manatees and mankind during rescues. We work closely with the state and federal entities responsible for overseeing the welfare of these animals.
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.
For more information, visit us at dolphins.org or on social media: Facebook and Instagram.
