SWFL manatee rescue saves injured mother and calf

Florida wildlife officials rescued an injured mother manatee and her calf after the adult was struck by a boat propeller; both animals were reported safe following the operation.

Florida wildlife authorities carried out a rescue after a mother manatee was struck by a boat propeller and remained with her calf. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded with help from the Cape Coral Police Department. Video released of the operation shows people lifting the adult manatee onto a boat. The rescue follows a recent mortality event in Lee County that drew additional attention to manatee conservation. Key details: - The FWC reported rescuing an injured adult manatee and her calf together after a propeller strike. - Video shows at least 10 people assisting to secure and lift the adult manatee onto a vessel using a net. - The agency reported both animals as safe after the rescue. - The incident occurred less than a month after at least 30 manatees died in the Orange River of Lee County. Summary: FWC and local officers removed the adult manatee and her calf from the water and reported them safe; the broader context includes recent manatee deaths in the region. Undetermined at this time.