SeaWorld Orlando, the largest manatee critical care facility in the nation, recently helped rescue a distressed manatee in waters off North Carolina.
Seaworld, in collaboration with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), North Carolina Aquariums, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina – Wilmington (UNCW), local law enforcement, and other North Carolina partners, successfully rescued the distressed female manatee weighing 855 pounds and measuring almost 9 feet.
The manatee, first reported in late October 2024 to the North Carolina stranding network, had been observed in distress, including listing in shallow waters. Sporadic sightings over the past weeks, including in the Pamlico and Tar Rivers, prompted an urgent response. With ambient water temperatures in the low 60°s Fahrenheit, the manatee’s condition required immediate intervention. GUC staff were extremely helpful to the manatee rescue team and assisted with site access and logistics.
The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).