‘Large object’ floating in water turns out to be helpless manatee, Florida rangers say

Wildlife officials rescued an injured manatee at Everglades National Park in Florida after park visitors reported seeing a “large object” floating in the water, according to the National Park Service.

The manatee had been struck by a motorboat and had air outside of its lungs inflating its chest cavity, causing it to float lopsided, according to a May 16 statement from Everglades National Park.

The manatee was having difficulty swimming, diving and feeding, which allowed “excessive” algae and barnacles to grow on its body.

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission worked with park rangers to catch and transport the manatee to SeaWorld’s marine mammal veterinary care center for treatment, according to the park service.

“The manatee has made good progress towards recovery,” the statement says. “Though its lungs are still healing and its floating is a bit off-kilter, it has cleared the barnacles and the excessive algae growth that accumulated due to mobility issues.”

Also called “Sea Cows,” manatees can live up to 65 years in captivity and can grow over 13 feet long and weigh 3,500 pounds. They can be found in the rivers, coastal waters and springs of Florida, wildlife officials report.

“Some Florida manatee are known to travel up the eastern coastline into Georgia, the Carolinas, and a few travel as far north as Massachusetts during warm months,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “In the Gulf, Florida manatees can be found west through coastal Louisiana and are occasionally sighted as far west as Texas. Prior to winter’s coldest months, manatees migrate to warm water habitats in Florida.”

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