Six entrapped manatees rescued in Brevard County

Manatee rescue It was a team effort to rescue six manatees that got trapped in a Brevard County preservation area. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission)

By Sarah Wilson

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — It was a team effort to rescue six manatees that got trapped in a Brevard County preservation area.

Officials said the manatees likely got into a refuge system by swimming over a concrete weir while water levels were high that later left them unable to swim out.

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Manatees rescued FWC Manatee Rescue and FWC Law Enforcement and local partners helped to free the six entrapped manatees at Pine Island Conservation Area. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission)

Manatees rescued FWC Manatee Rescue and FWC Law Enforcement and local partners helped to free the six entrapped manatees at Pine Island Conservation Area. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission)

Manatees rescued FWC Manatee Rescue and FWC Law Enforcement and local partners helped to free the six entrapped manatees at Pine Island Conservation Area. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission)

Manatees rescued FWC Manatee Rescue and FWC Law Enforcement and local partners helped to free the six entrapped manatees at Pine Island Conservation Area. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission)

Manatees rescued FWC Manatee Rescue and FWC Law Enforcement and local partners helped to free the six entrapped manatees at Pine Island Conservation Area. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission)

Manatees rescued FWC Manatee Rescue and FWC Law Enforcement and local partners helped to free the six entrapped manatees at Pine Island Conservation Area. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission)

FWC Manatee Rescue and FWC Law Enforcement and local partners helped to free the six entrapped manatees at Pine Island Conservation Area.

Officials said five of the manatees were rescued during a first attempt with four being released and one being taken to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for rehabilitation following a health screening.

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The sixth manatee eluded capture during that attempt, so officials said Melbourne Beach manatee rescue staff, Brevard Zoo and UF Aquatic Animal Health Program returned to rescue the final manatee who was transported to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for rehabilitation.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said manatees that become stranded or trapped during storms may need medical attention by wildlife experts. If you are aware of a stranded, trapped, injured or dead manatee, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

READ: Rescue team releases rehabilitated manatee in Daytona Beach