A manatee weighing over 400 pounds is currently undergoing rehabilitation at a theme park in the United States following a rescue operation from a storm drain. The 410-pound manatee was found trapped in the storm drain in Melbourne Beach, Florida, on February 10, prompting a collaborative effort involving multiple fire rescue units, conservation commission officials, a university team, and a towing service.
The rescue mission was initiated after a worker in Melbourne Beach spotted the distressed manatee, leading to the mobilization of various teams, including crews from fire rescue units, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida, and Jack’s Wrecker Service. According to Vice Mayor Terry Cronin, the manatee was discovered by a surveyor in a baffle box during storm drain improvements in Melbourne Beach.
Subsequently, the manatee was transferred to SeaWorld Orlando for treatment in one of the park’s medical pools, where efforts are underway to stabilize and rehabilitate the marine mammal for eventual release back into its natural habitat. This year, SeaWorld Orlando has already received seven manatees, continuing its conservation efforts after rescuing 56 manatees in 2025.
Stephanie Bechara, a spokesperson for SeaWorld Orlando, reported that the manatee is responding well to treatment, breathing independently, moving on its own, and displaying interest in food. The care team is carefully monitoring and adjusting water levels to ensure the manatee’s comfort and buoyancy during the rehabilitation process.
Manatees, being a protected species, are still recovering from a significant mass starvation incident. In 2021, more than 1,100 manatees died, primarily due to starvation. However, there has been a decrease in manatee deaths in recent years, with 565 recorded deaths in 2024 and 555 in 2023, as reported by Florida’s fish and wildlife agency.
