ZooTampa Treating Rescued Manatee From Ft. Myers Beach
A manatee, rescued near Ft. Myers Beach after a collision with a boat, was rushed to ZooTampa where she is being watched carefully. The female manatee, given the name Maelee…
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
(Photo by Andrew M./BBGI)
A manatee, rescued near Ft. Myers Beach after a collision with a boat, was rushed to ZooTampa where she is being watched carefully.
The female manatee, given the name Maelee by ZooTampa staff, suffered critical injuries and was brought to ZooTampa's David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. Zoo veterinarians have been treating the cow, who is getting intensive care, but it is too soon for a prognosis. Still, staff is hopeful.
When a boat hits a manatee, there are many injuries that can happen, including lung injuries that make breathing difficult for the large mammals. This can make floating difficult, which they need to do to breathe at the surface.
[Source: News-Press Ft. Myers]
According to ZooTampa's website, since 1991, they have treated over 400 manatees and released over 230 back to the wild. In fact, this week, they released Bugaboo the manatee. Bugaboo was rescued in June.
ZooTampa has become an amazing place. Here are some of the sights you may find at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, but just a small portion of what you can see in a day!
