Rescuers Free 410-Pound Manatee from Melbourne Beach Drain

A 410-pound manatee, trapped in a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, Florida, has been successfully rescued after seeking warmth during an unusually cold winter. Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) announced this week that multiple agencies collaborated over several hours to free the animal, highlighting the community’s effort in the operation.

Brevard County Fire Rescue shared on social media that various organizations, including the Indialantic Fire Rescue, Melbourne Beach Fire Department, and the University of Florida’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services, participated in the rescue. “It took a village to free the sea cow,” the department stated. The manatee, measuring approximately 7 feet long, is currently receiving care at the SeaWorld Rescue Center for observation.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the juvenile manatee was found to be underweight and had multiple open wounds on its underside, near the tail and flippers. Despite its condition, the FWC noted positive signs, mentioning that the manatee showed interest in food during its first night in care, which is a crucial indicator of its recovery.

The timely rescue was facilitated by a quick report from an employee of Haley Ward, Inc. to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline. This swift communication allowed responders to act quickly, ensuring the manatee received the necessary assistance.

BCFR emphasized the importance of ongoing training and education, pointing out that the rescue occurred just after they had completed large-animal rescue training. “Sometimes, timing is everything! As training wrapped up, BCFR and UF instructors were called in to assist with a trapped manatee in Melbourne Beach,” the department commented.

In light of the cold weather affecting wildlife, the FWC also reported a surge in the public turning in invasive green iguanas due to an unusual cold snap. Thousands of these reptiles were collected under a temporary executive order that permitted the public to catch cold-stunned iguanas without a permit. When temperatures dip near or below freezing, iguanas can become cold-stunned, losing muscle control and often falling from trees.

For anyone who encounters an injured, distressed, or deceased manatee, the FWC urges immediate action. “Your call may save an animal’s life,” the FWC stated, providing the hotline number 888-404-FWCC (3922) for emergencies.

As the situation develops, the community remains hopeful for the recovery of the manatee, a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and wildlife.