A manatee with a punctured lung was recently rescued from a Florida couple’s backyard canal, highlighting a dramatic rescue mission to save the injured aquatic mammal. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed that the 8-foot-long female manatee was taken to a local zoo for urgent treatment after sustaining the serious injury.
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The incident unfolded when Kelly and Matt Taylor, residents of Cape Coral, Florida, noticed their dog barking frantically at a manatee floating in their backyard canal. The couple became concerned when they observed the manatee spending an abnormal amount of time out of the water, with Kelly stating, “My dog was barking like crazy, and we ran out here and saw a manatee going down the canal, but it was, she was on the water, and so we watched her go all the way down there.”
Matt further described the unusual behaviour of the manatee, noting that it remained surfaced for an extended period, “She was breached the whole time. We saw her for about 30 minutes, and she was out of the water more than you normally see one of the manatees.” The couple’s quick thinking led them to contact the FWC, initiating a swift response to rescue the distressed manatee.
Upon arrival, FWC officials and local law enforcement coordinated efforts to lift the injured manatee out of the water using a tarp, with nearly a dozen people collaborating in the rescue operation. A poignant video captured Kelly’s emotional reaction as the team carefully transported the manatee for urgent care, expressing her sympathy for the injured creature.
The manatee was promptly transported to Zoo Tampa for critical treatment after assessments revealed a punctured lung, underscoring the severity of the animal’s condition. The Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, is commonly found along the state’s coastal waters, rivers, and springs, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants.
Known for their docile nature and distinctive appearance, Florida manatees navigate the waters by propelling themselves with their tails, reaching speeds of up to 15 miles per hour in short bursts. Despite their swimming prowess, manatees often spend prolonged periods near the water’s surface or resting on the seabed, making them susceptible to various threats in their natural habitat.
Observers are reminded to report any injured or distressed manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline (888-404-FWCC) to ensure timely intervention and care for these vulnerable marine mammals. The heartwarming rescue of the injured manatee from the Florida couple’s backyard canal serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of wildlife protection and conservation efforts in safeguarding these beloved creatures.