A worker in Melbourne Beach spotted a manatee trapped in a storm drain while city crews were working on improving drainage infrastructure, prompting a multi-agency rescue effort on Tuesday, according to Vice Mayor Terry Cronin. Cronin said the manatee was found in what is called a baffle box as surveyors conducted work related to the storm drain upgrades.
The manatee, described as a male weighing 410 pounds (186 kilograms), was taken out of the storm drain in Melbourne Beach with help from multiple fire rescue units and officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida, and Jack’s Wrecker Service. After it was removed, the animal was transported to SeaWorld Orlando.
At SeaWorld Orlando, spokesperson Stephanie Bechara said the manatee is being cared for in one of the park’s medical pools. Bechara said the manatee was breathing on its own, moving independently, and showing interest in food.
Bechara also said SeaWorld teams are adjusting water levels to support buoyancy and comfort as part of his care. She said the goal is to stabilize and rehabilitate rescued manatees so they can ultimately be returned to the wild.
The AP report said the manatee remains under recovery following a challenging period for the species. It noted that officials said manatees are still recovering from a mass starvation event, when officials recorded more than 1,100 manatee deaths in 2021, mostly attributed to starvation.
The same report said Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said deaths have declined since then, with 565 deaths recorded in 2024 and 555 in 2023. SeaWorld Orlando also said it has taken in more manatees recently, with the report noting that the park rescued 56 manatees last year and has already taken in seven this year.