Manatee rescued after becoming stuck in storm drain

A 410-pound manatee was found trapped in a Melbourne Beach storm drain, freed by a multi-agency team and taken to SeaWorld Orlando, where staff report it is breathing and showing interest in food.

A 410-pound manatee became trapped in a Melbourne Beach storm drain after moving to warmer waters. The animal was discovered during a storm drain survey and freed by a multi-agency team. It was transported to SeaWorld Orlando and is being treated in a medical pool. The species has faced recent high death rates from starvation, and rescue groups have increased rehabilitation efforts. Known details: - The manatee weighed about 410 pounds (186 kilograms) and was found in a bethel box during a storm drain survey. - Rescue responders included local fire rescue units, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida, and Jack's Wrecker Service. - A Melbourne Beach worker first noticed the animal, Vice Mayor Terry Cronin told WESH-TV. - SeaWorld Orlando said the male manatee is breathing on its own, moving independently and showing interest in food; staff adjusted water levels in a medical pool to support its buoyancy and comfort. - SeaWorld said it works to stabilize and rehabilitate rescued manatees so they can ultimately be returned to the wild. Summary: The manatee is currently under veterinary care at SeaWorld Orlando after a coordinated rescue operation, illustrating ongoing conservation and rehabilitation activity for the species. SeaWorld is providing medical support and monitoring; any timeline for release is undetermined at this time.