Wildlife officials in Florida responded and rescued a manatee who found itself stuck in a mudflat and was struggling to make its way to deeper water.
On January 6th, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Northeast Field Lab received a report of an adult manatee stranded in a mudflat along the St. Johns River near downtown Jacksonville.
A team from FWC, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, and the City of Jacksonville quickly formed and responded to the scene.
Officials say the manatee had to be removed from the difficult-to-maneuver mudflat, which involved using a stretcher and crane to safely lift the 1000+ pound manatee into the transport truck.
In the news: State Seeks To Protect Florida Manatees Near Power Plant
After being loaded into the truck, FWC said the manatee was taken to the Jacksonville Zoo for rehabilitation.
“Over the past two weeks, FWC Staff, alongside Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership partners, successfully rescued a total of 10 manatees in need. See a manatee in need of assistance? Call our Wildlife Alert Hotline to report sick, injured, or dead manatees at 1-888-404-3922,” said FWC.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.