‘It took a village’: 410-pound manatee freed from storm drain in Florida, rescuers say

A 410-pound manatee that was trapped in a storm drain after seeking warmth during an unseasonably cold Florida winter is finally free, according to authorities.

Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) on Tuesday said several agencies and organizations teamed up for multiple hours to rescue the animal.

“It took a village to free the sea cow. BCFR’s stations 48 and 64, Indialantic Fire Rescue, Melbourne Beach FD, University of Florida’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services, FWC, Public Works, and Jack’s Wrecker Service,” the department wrote on Facebook.

“The manatee appeared to be ok but is now at SeaWorld Rescue Center for observation,” according to the post.

The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), which is the research division of the FWC, said the 7-foot-long male juvenile manatee was underweight and had multiple open wounds on his underside near the tail and flippers.

“The good news: the manatee showed interest in food during his first night in care, which is an encouraging sign,” FWRI noted on social media. “This outcome was possible because an employee from Haley Ward, Inc. who quickly reported the manatee to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, allowing responders to act quickly.”

The rescue came almost immediately after BCFR completed large-animal rescue training.

“Sometimes, timing is everything! As training wrapped up, BCFR and UF instructors were called in to assist with a trapped manatee in Melbourne Beach,” BCFR said.

“This is a perfect example of how important continuous training and education opportunities are for Fire Rescue!” the department noted.

FWRI urged anyone who sees an injured, distressed, or dead manatee to call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

“Your call may save an animal’s life,” FWRI noted.