Injured mother manatee and calf rescued in Lee County, transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation

Rescue operation on the Orange River

A mother manatee and her calf were rescued this week in Lee County after responders located the pair in the Orange River near Fort Myers and determined the adult needed medical attention. Wildlife officers and local marine deputies coordinated the capture and transport, using aerial monitoring to help track the animals’ movements and guide boats into position.

Video released by local law enforcement showed responders forming a wide circle on the water to corral the animals, then drawing them toward a net. Multiple people lifted the manatees onto a vessel and later transferred them at a boat ramp using a sling system designed to support the animals’ weight while minimizing stress during handling.

Where the manatees are going and why

After the rescue, the mother and calf were transported to SeaWorld Orlando, one of Florida’s state-authorized manatee rehabilitation facilities. The transfer places the pair in a controlled medical setting where veterinarians and animal-care staff can evaluate injuries, monitor hydration and nutrition, and provide supportive care until the animals are stable enough to be considered for release back into the wild.

Officials involved in the response said the precise cause of the mother’s injury had not been confirmed at the time of transport. In Florida, manatees commonly require intervention for a range of conditions, including watercraft trauma, cold stress during temperature swings, and health decline associated with inadequate food availability.

Part of a broader rescue trend in Southwest Florida

The Lee County rescue is one of multiple manatee interventions recorded in recent days in the region. Since February 19, at least six manatees have been rescued in Lee County amid recurring risks tied to winter conditions and human activity on waterways.

Statewide totals also indicate continued rehabilitation demand in 2026. Through late February, at least 24 manatees had been rescued in Florida this year. More than 20 rehabilitated manatees had also been returned to the wild through the statewide rescue-and-rehabilitation partnership that coordinates intake, veterinary care, and release decisions among participating organizations.

How rehabilitation typically proceeds

Once admitted to a rehabilitation center, rescued manatees generally undergo clinical assessment and ongoing observation. The timing of release depends on medical stability and the animal’s ability to function independently in the wild.

• Initial evaluation to document injuries and overall condition
• Supportive care focused on nutrition, hydration, and buoyancy management when needed
• Continued monitoring until veterinary teams determine the animal is fit for release

Manatee rescues in Florida are frequently triggered by cold stress, watercraft injuries, and malnutrition, all of which can require extended rehabilitation.

The mother and calf will remain under professional care in Orlando while their condition is assessed and a longer-term rehabilitation plan is established.