Manatee Rescued from Florida Drain Seeking Warm Water

A 186-kilogram (410-pound) manatee, rescued from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, Florida, is recovering at SeaWorld Orlando, authorities said Tuesday. The rescue involved multiple fire rescue units, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida and even a local towing company, Jack’s Wrecker Service.

The manatee was discovered by a Melbourne Beach public works employee during a survey of the drainage system, according to city Vice Mayor Terry Cronin. “We are in the process of improving the storm drain in Melbourne Beach. Our people were doing a survey. And one of the surveyors noticed a manatee in what’s called a deflection box,” Cronin stated.

The animal, identified as a male, was successfully extracted from the drain and transported to SeaWorld Orlando for care. SeaWorld spokesperson Stephanie Bechara confirmed the manatee is breathing independently, moving freely, and showing interest in food. “Our teams are adjusting water levels to aid buoyancy and comfort as part of his care,” Bechara said.

The rescue highlights the challenges manatees face in seeking warmer waters during cooler periods. Manatees are known to congregate in areas with warm water discharges, such as near power plants, and sometimes venture into canals and drainage systems in search of thermal relief. Manatee Lagoon, an FPL Eco-Discovery Center in West Palm Beach, is dedicated to educating the public about manatees and their habitat in Lake Worth Lagoon, and promoting conservation efforts.

Fort Lauderdale offers several opportunities for manatee observation, with kayaking tours being a popular method for viewing the animals in their natural habitat. The area’s canals and waterways are known to attract manatees, particularly during the winter months.