Six Entrapped Manatees at Pine Island Conservation Area Rescued By Florida Fish and Wildlife and Partners

manatees likely got into the refuge system by swimming over a concrete weir during a high-water event

BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Manatee Rescue and FWC Law Enforcement, along with partners, came together in an effort to free six entrapped manatees at Pine Island Conservation Area on Merritt island.

FWC officials said the manatees likely got into the refuge system by swimming over a concrete weir during a high-water event that later left them unable to swim out.

“The partners successfully rescued five manatees, each receiving a complete health assessment, after which four were released while the fifth was taken to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for rehabilitation,” said FWC officials.

The sixth manatee eluded capture that day, so the FWC Melbourne Beach manatee rescue staff, Brevard Zoo and UF Aquatic Animal Health Program returned to rescue the final entrapped manatee, which was transported to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for rehabilitation.

“FWC thanks our partners SeaWorld, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Brevard Zoo, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Save the Manatee Club, UF Aquatic Animal Health Program, FWC Law Enforcement and FWC manatee rescue staff from Melbourne Beach, St. Petersburg and Jacksonville field labs for all their help,” said FWC officials.

Manatees that become stranded or trapped during storms may need medical attention by wildlife experts.

If you are aware of a stranded, trapped, injured or dead manatee, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-3922.

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