Rescue of Baby Manatee in Merritt Islando
SeaWorld is a great Theme Park to visit but they are so much more to the Community than just the Fun that you see on a visit. If you did not know already, SeaWorld is responsible for rehabilitating many different types of Sea Creatures and trying to get them to a point where they can return to their natural habitat. Just recently a baby manatee was found, by a resident of Merritt Island, swimming all by itself. This is not normal for a Manatee so this orphan was rescued and brought to SeaWorld to care for him until he is big enough to take care of himself.
Tell me more about the Manatee at SeaWorld
This is a baby the likes of which you are not used to seeing. A human baby is normally around 20″ long and weighs about 7 to 8 pounds. Compare that to a baby Manatee whose length is about 36 inches and weighs about 35 pounds at 1 to 2 weeks of age. Just think of what it takes to care for something of that size and keep it healthy. Starting out, the staff has to make sure that the young calf is strong and well cared for by giving him feedings with a tube and also pumping him up with antibiotics. You might see the SeaWorld staff working in the park and playing with the different animals but this is what they really live for. Taking care of these gentle creatures is an exciting adventure and it is always so rewarding knowing that you have done something good in this world. This is not the first Manatee rescue for the Park this year. So far they have worked with 8 Manatees in 2013 and that number is sure to grow as the days go on. These creatures are very large and it is easy for them to get hurt in the wild.
What can I do to help?
Although many of us are not Marine Biologists or have the time to devote to all of these wonderful beings, we all have something that we can give in return. If you are interested in giving back and helping all of the animals in the wild you might be interested in the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. We have posted a link below to help you find additional information on how to make a difference.
