November's field trip was to the Miami Seaquarium for a special Manatee Awareness Workshop sponsored by FPL (Florida Power & Light). The event was free and included lectures by two distinguished manatee experts, Dr. Ross Wilcox, chief ecologist with the environmental affairs department at FPL , and Dr. Gregory Bossart, an internationally known comparative pathologist and Miami Seaquarium staff veterinarian. Both of these gentlemen are involved extensively in the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured animals.
| Miami Seaquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Team was formed in the 1960s to help marine animals in distress. This team of experts includes divers, animal experts and staff veterinarians. The rescue efforts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and have rescued hundreds of injured manatees as well as stranded dolphins and beached whales. On average, the team rescues 10 manatees per year and releases 90 percent back into the wild. |
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When a sick or injured manatee is sighted, the Florida Marine Patrol or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calls the Miami Sequarium. A scout is sent to the scene and ,if warranted, the Rescue Team is mobilized. At the scene, the animal is examined, blood tests are taken, and the manatee is given fluids and treated for shock. Once at the Sequarium, the manatee receives round-the-clock medical attention that can include tube-feeding, x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, MRI and electrocardiology. Much of the technology is that used in human medical care. Unfortunately, manatees have no insurance!
Costs for rehabilitating a manatee suffering from a boat collision (all too common in South Florida) can reach as high as $ 250,000. The cost of raising an orphaned calf (separated from its Mother in a boat collision or other unfortunate accident) is $ 40,000 a year. Much of these costs are borne by the Sequarium itself. Other contributions come from the Save The Manatee Club, the Marine Life Preservation Society and individual contributions.
The Miami River Marine Group is currently raising funds for a much-needed Manatee Halfway House at Florida's southernmost authorized manatee rescue site, the Miami Sequarium. The purpose of the Halfway House is to provide a hospital and natural habitat lagoon where injured manatees can regain strength in preparation for their eventual release. **
Despite all these efforts, the Manatee is still declining in population. An endangered species, Florida's manatee is protected by State and Federal law, yet last year alone, 45 out of a total 162 deaths can be directly attributed to man. The majority of these (33) were due to boating accidents, when the poor slow-moving, top-feeding manatee is cut into pieces from propeller blades or crushed by boat hulls. Another 8 were crushed by closing flood control gates or drowned when trapped in underwater canals. The slide show was a powerful statement that well illustrated man's involvement in the manatee's demise.
The Workshop concluded with a visit to the VIP tank, where 2 orphans are being hand-raised and some adults are recovering from boating accidents. Thankfully, the evening ended on a happy note!! (See below for more information on how you can help the Florida Manatee)
This is Tithonus.
FPL has produced a wonderful publication, The West Indian Manatee in Florida that may be obtained by writing:
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Florida Power & Light Company
Corporate Communications P.O.Box 029100 Miami, Florida 33102-9100 |
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The Manatee Halfway House Project
c/o Miami River Marine Group 690 S.W. 1st Court Miami, FL 33130 |
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Save The Manatee Club
500 N. Maitland Avenue Maitland, Florida 32751 (407) 539-0990 |
