The manatee was searching for warmer waters when it got stuck in a storm drain at a historic beach – the species remain a protected following thousands of starvation-related deaths
A more than 400-pound manatee is making a recovery at a theme park in the United States after getting stuck in a storm drain.
Multiple fire rescue units and officials from a conservation commission, a university and a towing service were brought in to rescue the 410-pound manatee from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach in Florida on Tuesday, February 10. The animal got stuck while seeking warmer waters.
Crews from fire rescue units, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida and even Jack’s Wrecker Service convened on the scene after a worker with Melbourne Beach spotted the manatee, the city’s Vice Mayor Terry Cronin told WESH-TV in Orlando.
“We’re in the process of improving the storm drain across Melbourne Beach. Our people were doing a survey. And one of the surveyors noticed a manatee in what is called a baffle box,” Cronin said.
The big fella was taken to SeaWorld Orlando where it is being cared for in one of the park’s medical pools, where they work to stabilise and rehabilitate rescued manatees to then be returned to the wild.
SeaWorld Orlando rescued 56 manatees in 2025 and has already taken in seven this year.
“He’s breathing on his own, moving independently and showing interest in food,” spokesperson Stephanie Bechara said.
“Our teams are adjusting water levels to support buoyancy and comfort as part of his care,” Bechara added.
Manatees are a protected species and are still recovering from a mass starvation event.
In 2021, officials recorded more than 1,100 manatee deaths, mostly caused by starvation.
Florida’s fish and wildlife agency said deaths have decreased significantly, with 565 deaths recorded in 2024, and 555 deaths in 2023.