Rescured Manatee Sporting Life-Saving Wetsuit Courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue

- Michelle Snow

When a manatee was injured near Satellite Beach, she and her still-nursing calf were quickly attended to by the SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team at SeaWorld Orlando.

SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team rescues manatee and her baby calf

The 10-year-old mother manatee was injured by a water craft strike and is currently being treated at SeaWorld for buoyancy issues due to a collapsed lung.

To help her float, she has been outfitted with a special wetsuit. Made from 20 square feet of hot pink neoprene, the wetsuit attaches around the mother’s body with a fabric hook and loop fastener.

Custom floating inserts can be attached to help the manatee float evenly in the water, and can be moved around as the animal heals and can float on her own.

SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team rescues manatee and her baby calf

Special considerations were made when using the wetsuit as part of the treatment so it would not interfere with natural behaviors.

Her calf is estimated to be 2 years old and, although he was unharmed by the water craft, he is still nursing and dependent on his mother. It is important that the pair remain together as the calf continues to grow and learn from its mother.

Over the next several weeks, the SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue team will continue to closely monitor the mother manatee’s progress and ensure her calf is still properly nursing by her side. When she is fully healed, both will be returned to their natural habitat.

About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida, and was head editor/writer at TheDisneyBlog.com for 10 years. She's lived in Orlando near Walt Disney World since 1995, and still finds there's so much fun to be had in Central Florida.
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