On Monday, a manatee was rescued from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach. Firefighters and wildlife experts from Brevard County rescued the young manatee on Monday after he became trapped while seeking refuge from the cold temperatures.
Rescuers named the manatee “Melby.” It is believed he entered the drain from the Indian River Lagoon during the cold weather and somehow got himself wedged into a baffle box designed to filter stormwater.
The rescue operation lasted several hours and involved the Brevard County Fire Rescue Stations 48 and 64, Indialanitc Fire Department, Melbourne Beach Vol. Fire Dept., University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC), local public works crews, and Jacks Wrecker Service.
In order to access the area, crews had to drill into the roadway and use heavy equipment which included an excavator and tow truck in order to lift the manatee out in a sling.
The timing was impeccable, as Brevard County firefighters and University of Florida instructors had just completed a large-animal rescue training session when the call came in, allowing them to apply their new skills to the real-life emergency.
While the animal showed no initial signs of cold stress, he appear to be underweight and suffering from multiple open wounds on his underside.
The manatee was transported to SeaWorld Orlando‘s rescue center for evaluation and rehabilitation. SeaWorld confirmed Tuesday that the animal had been admitted and was under observation. Early updates indicate he has already shown interest in food, which is a positive sign in his recovery.
Authorities emphasize that if you see a manatee in distress, you should immediately contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922.
Many thanks to all the heroes who brought the manatee to safety.
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