UPDATED: Mystic plans to return
rescued manatee - who they've just discovered is pregnant - to Florida for release
UPDATE: When I originally posted this article, I picked the GIF at left showing a baby manatee and its moma because I thought it was cute. But, as the New London Day reported, a routine ultrasound revealed that the rescued manatee is three to four months pregnant.This discovery makes her care even more important as part of on-going efforts to protect and conserve the manatee population.
On September 22, Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program admitted a female Florida manatee to the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation Veterinary and Animal Health Center.
The
International Fund for Animal Welfare monitored, rescued and transported the
manatee under a permit and with guidance from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The
female manatee weighs in at just over 800 lbs. Under the professional and
world-class care of Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Team, animal care
specialists and veterinary staff, she is in stable condition and is
eating and acclimating well to her current surroundings. It is the first
manatee at Mystic Aquarium.
The
animal was rescued from the waters of Cape Cod Bay in Falmouth, MA. First
sighted in Chatham, MA, in late August, officials became increasingly concerned
for the mammal’s well-being as September approached and water temperatures
continued to drop.
“The
animal will remain in our care for approximately 1-2 weeks; until she is deemed
stable enough for transport,” said Allison D. Tuttle, DVM, Diplomate ACZM,
Mystic Aquarium’s Vice President of Biological Programs.
“Upon
that determination, she will be flown to a more permanent rehabilitation center
in Florida to fully recuperate before ultimately being released back into
coastal waters.
The
Florida manatee is an endangered marine mammal found in the coastal waters of
the United States. A large, herbivorous marine mammal, the Florida
manatee is habitually found in the coastal waters and rivers of the
southeastern United States and Gulf of Mexico. It can move freely between
salinity extremes including freshwater, brackish and marine habitats.
“We
are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to care for this animal,” said
Janelle Schuh, Stranding coordinator for Mystic Aquarium. “It is essential to
us an organization to care for and protect the ocean planet including its
inhabitants. And, while we do this every day, bringing this animal’s story to
light in our geographic area is even more poignant as a way to inspire even
more efforts to save the species.”
In
addition to their federal status as an endangered species, Florida manatees are
important as an indicator species; providing insight to environmental and
habitat changes.
About Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program
Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program supports animals in need
and educates the public about the marine environment and its inhabitants.
The public is encouraged to call the aquarium’s 24-hour hotline at
860.572.5955 ext. 107 if they encounter a marine mammal or sea turtle in
Conn., R.I. or Fishers Island, N.Y.
Mystic Aquarium is a founding member
of the Northeast Region Stranding Network. This network is comprised of
organizations along the eastern sea coast which have facilities and
trained staff to care for sick and injured animals. Marine
Mammals are protected species, so only groups and facilities authorized by
the National Marine Fisheries Service are permitted to handle these
animals.
About Mystic Aquarium
A nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, Mystic Aquarium is counted among
the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive
collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only belugas. Mystic
Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters
with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to
inspire people to care for and protect our ocean environment through
conservation, education and research. Learn more at MysticAquarium.org.