Manatee Calf Rescued By Mammal Rescue Group In Florida Keys

Marathon, FL - State wildlife officers and a marine mammal rescue group saved a manatee calf Tuesday morning after it was determined to be orphaned.

Allie Proskovec, a Dolphin Research Center spokeswoman, said the combined team from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Dolphin Research Center monitored the 5-foot male juvenile for more than 24 hours and concluded he wasn’t being cared for by an adult manatee.

The rescue happened in the Middle Keys city of Marathon.

Dr. Scott Gearhart, veterinarian for the Grassy Key-based marine mammal rescue group, evaluated the young mammal, which Proskovec said will be transported to SeaWorld Orlando for care and rehabilitation.