What to Know
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said the duo were found near North Fort Myers and brought to the facility.
- Officials say buoyancy issues, known as pneumothorax, could have been caused by blunt force from a boat strike and have a negative impact.
Crews at SeaWorld Orlando are working to help a mother manatee and her nearly 1-year-old nursing calf get back to good health after being found in Southwest Florida dealing with buoyancy issues.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said the duo were found near North Fort Myers and brought to the facility in Central Florida by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Officials say buoyancy issues, known as pneumothorax, could have been caused by blunt force from a boat strike and can have a negative impact on a manatee’s health and eating patterns – which can be harmful for those who are nursing and possibly life threatening.
The calf was unharmed but must remain with the mother while it is nursing. SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue Team says they have returned seven of the 30 manatees rescued in 2018 back to their natural habitats.
