Small Florida manatee saved by FWC, transported to SeaWorld for cold stress rehabilitation | FOX 35 Orlando
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Small Florida manatee saved by FWC, transported to SeaWorld for cold stress rehabilitation

By Jovanni Saint Surin
Published  February 5, 2025 1:22pm EST
Manatees
FOX 35 Orlando

The Brief

    • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff found a small female manatee with severe cold stress in a ditch near Satellite Beach.
    • The staff along with volunteers rescued the manatee and transported it to SeaWorld for treatment.
    • SeaWorld says she has been in a stable condition, improving her bloodwork and eating on her own.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A small manatee was rescued by the FWC and was transported to SeaWorld for rehabilitation.

What we know:

On Jan. 26, a young female manatee was found in a ditch near Satellite Beach. Upon investigation, FWC staff and volunteers determined that the animal was suffering from severe cold stress due to the recent winter temperatures. 

The FWC staff and several volunteers saved the manatee and transported it to SeaWorld Orlando for treatment. 

According to SeaWorld's animal rescue, her bloodwork has improved, she's eating on her own and she's gaining weight. 

Although she is currently stable, they believe she still has many strides to make on the road to recovery. 

What is severe cold stress?

Dig deeper:

When temperatures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time, manatees can be susceptible to cold stress, a condition similar to hypothermia. Since manatees are unable to regulate their body heat, severe cases of cold stress can kill them and mild cases can cause other threats. 

Credit: FWC

A few symptoms include slow heart rate, weight loss, sores, barnacles or algae on the skin and blue or pale skin. 

Cold stress is usually most prevalent in younger and infant manatees. 

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the FWC and SeaWorld Orlando. 

ManateesSeaWorld OrlandoPets and AnimalsFWC