Adult manatee rescued from Melbourne Beach storm drain, moved to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation evaluation

Rescue unfolds after stormwater survey spots manatee below roadway

An adult male Florida manatee was rescued from a stormwater structure in Melbourne Beach, Brevard County, after becoming trapped beneath a roadway in what officials described as a storm drain system connected to the Indian River Lagoon. The response unfolded on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, after stormwater survey work in the area led to the animal being seen inside a baffle box designed to capture debris before runoff reaches the lagoon.

Responders secured the area and removed access covers to assess the manatee’s position and condition. With the animal confined below the surface, crews expanded the opening by drilling into the roadway and lifting a concrete section to create a safer extraction point. The rescue operation lasted several hours and required heavy equipment and coordinated handling to avoid injury to both responders and the manatee.

Multi-agency response and specialized transport

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission led the response with assistance from Brevard County Fire Rescue and other partners. The animal was ultimately lifted out using a sling and hoisting equipment and then transported for veterinary assessment.

SeaWorld Orlando confirmed the manatee was admitted to its facility for evaluation and rehabilitation. The manatee’s overall health status had not been fully determined at the time of transport, and officials said it was unclear how long the animal had been inside the stormwater structure.

What is known about the manatee’s condition

During the response, observers reported the manatee appeared active while confined below ground, and responders did not observe obvious signs of cold stress. Even when an animal appears responsive, veterinary intake is standard following entrapment events because hazards can include abrasions, stress-related complications, and injuries that are difficult to detect in the field.

Why manatees can end up in stormwater infrastructure

Manatees are drawn to warm-water refuges during cold snaps, and they also move through canals and connected waterways that can include man-made structures. In this case, local officials involved in the response indicated the prevailing theory was that the manatee entered the system from the lagoon and became unable to navigate back out, ending up in the baffle box.

Similar incidents have occurred in Florida in prior years, including rescues involving multiple manatees that entered drainage pipes during cold-weather periods.

How residents can report a distressed manatee

• Report sick, injured, trapped, or dead manatees through the state wildlife alert system.
• Provide an exact location, whether the animal is alive, and how long it has been observed.
• If safe to do so, document with photos or video for identification and assessment.

The Melbourne Beach rescue underscores the operational complexity of responding to wildlife emergencies in built environments, where stormwater infrastructure can inadvertently become a trap for large marine mammals.

Road work and repairs were expected after the extraction due to the removal of pavement and concrete needed to widen access to the underground structure.