FWC to release two manatees!

FWC Media Event

Photo, video and interview opportunity

FWC to release two manatees

FWC Regional Contact: Carol Lyn Parrish, 850-556-2269

FWC Research/Rescue Contact: Frank McCloy 727-324-3674

When: Tuesday, April 5, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Caxambas Park Boat Ramp, 909 Collier Court, Marco Island, Collier County.

Why:  Photo, video and interview opportunities are available.

Background: On Sept. 28, 2015, FWC staff rescued a juvenile male manatee from Roberts Bay in Marco Island. The manatee suffered watercraft-related injuries. The manatee received treatment at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

When: Thursday, April 7, from noon to 1 p.m.

Where: Shell Island Boat Ramp, 10 Shell Island Road, Naples, Collier County.

Why: Photo, video and interview opportunities available.

Background: On Jan. 3, 2016, FWC along with DEP and the Marco Island Police Department’s Marine Patrol staff rescued an adult female manatee from Little Marco Island. The manatee suffered effects from red tide. The manatee received treatment at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

The Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership is a cooperative group of nonprofit, private, state and federal entities that work together to monitor the health and survival of rehabilitated and released manatees. Information about manatees currently being tracked is available at http://www.ManateeRescue.org. The endangered Florida manatee is at risk from both natural and man-made causes of injury and mortality. Exposure to red tide, cold stress and disease are all natural problems that can affect manatees. Human-caused threats include boat strikes, crushing by flood gates or locks, and entanglement in or ingestion of fishing gear.

Activities were conducted under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit # MA770191.