Pair of Stranded Sea Cows Thankful for Rescue from Freezing Florida Waters

Cover photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo by Everglades National Park | Flickr

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, a pair of rescued manatees had plenty to be thankful for, all thanks to the swift action of wildlife experts and the assistance of concerned citizens. During a bustling holiday weekend, two manatees were rescued from dangerous situations near Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County with the help of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the University of Florida, and local rescue teams.

According to a report shared by FWC, the first manatee was discovered in a shallow mud hole, stranded and vulnerable. A hunter’s timely report allowed the FWC rescue team to quickly mobilize, knowing that the overnight temperatures were expected to dip into the low 30s. With every hour critical, the rescue team rushed to the scene in the middle of the night.

Using a special stretcher, they carefully carried the young female manatee through a dense forest habitat, ensuring she was safely taken to a nearby transport truck. By 6:30 AM, the team had delivered the manatee to the care of ZooTampa, where she underwent a full health evaluation and received the care she urgently needed.

Merely hours later, another report came in about a second stranded manatee — this one only two miles away from the original rescue site. FWC, the University of Florida, and ZooTampa swiftly responded, finding the second female manatee in poor condition. She displayed signs of suffering from cold stress, appearing weak and underweight.
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The water temperature in the canal had dropped to just 52 degrees, a dangerously low level for manatees, who typically flock to warmer waters when temperatures begin to dip. The team transported the second manatee to SeaWorld Orlando, where she would receive further treatment and care.

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The FWC say that these manatee strandings were likely caused by recent storm events, such as Hurricane Helene and Milton. The storm surge and heavy rains from these weather events can push water levels up, allowing manatees to wander into inland areas that would normally be inaccessible. When the waters recede, the manatees can become stranded, unable to find their way back to their homes in deeper waters.

Thanks to the quick thinking of the hunter and the dedication of local rescue teams, these manatees were given a second chance at life. If you encounter a sick, injured, or stranded manatee, the FWC urge you to please report it immediately to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Your help could make all the difference in saving the next stranded sea cow's life.

Article by Rachael Volpe