PORT ST. JOHN, Florida -- An
orphaned manatee calf was rescued on Monday from the Indian River near the FPL power plant in Port
St. John, Fla.
by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The
estimated two-week-old female was spotted swimming alone by members of
the FPL power plant, who contacted the FWC.
The
calf, which weighs 48 pounds and measures 48 inches in length, was
transported by the FWC to SeaWorld Orlando, where the SeaWorld Animal
Rescue
Team and veterinary staff performed a complete health exam, took blood
samples and began providing an antibiotic treatment. The calf will
receive around-the-clock care, including regular tube feedings, and her
health will continue to be monitored.
The
calf joined three other orphans, who are also receiving rehabilitative
care at the park. Manatee calves normally nurse for one to two years.
They depend
on their mothers not only for nutrition, but also for learning about
feeding and resting areas. SeaWorld Orlando uses a special formula
created by the park’s animal care team specifically for manatee calves
to ensure they are receiving proper nutrition.
So far in 2014, SeaWorld has rescued 8 and returned 7 manatees back to their natural environment
