Wildlife officials are stressing the importance of reporting distressed or dead animals as they rescued a manatee showing signs of red tide exposure.
Red tide, a phenomenon known as an algae bloom, can be harmful to wildlife in high concentrations. A recent outbreak of algae has killed fish along the southwest Florida coast.
The manatee "in distress" was rescued Tuesday and was taken to SeaWorld Orlando to recover, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The same day, FWC recovered three dead female manatees and suspect their deaths are red tide-related.
Anyone who sees distressed or dead wildlife should call FWC's hotline at 888-404-3922 (press 7 for an operator) to ensure a timely rescue or retrieval.
