Several manatees have been rescued and are being cared for at ZooTampa
FWC photo of manatee rescued near Homosassa Springs in early March.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
In early March, 2024, an emaciated manatee (see photo) was rescued near Homosassa Springs by staff members with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The manatee was taken to ZooTampa for rehabilitation and is one of 22 manatees currently being cared for at the zoo.
Several manatees rescued in Crytal River are among those being rehabilitated at the zoo, including a lethargic 525 pound manatee named Keeks, rescued the previous week by ZooTampa and officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Keeks had previously been cared for at SeaWorld. ZooTampa's Animal Health and Manatee team administered antibiotics to Keeks and will also monitor her behavior.
The manatees are currently all stable and have been treated for conditions such as cold stress lesions and pneumonia.
If you encounter a sick, injured, dead, or tagged manatee, call the FWC's Wildlife Alert toll-free number at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922) and press "7" to speak with an operator. Those with cellular phones should dial *FWC or #FWC.