Manatee Rescues in Homosassa and Crystal River

Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Rescue Team recently assisted with two manatee rescues in partnership with Florida Fish and Wildlife, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. During the winter months in Florida, manatees are susceptible to cold stress and can become lethargic, thin, and develop cold stress lesions. We are happy to help assist in the rescue of these animals so they can be rehabilitated and eventually released back to the wild!
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We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
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[@charlotteredman1310]

I always love and support you guys at CMA forever after I first watched Dolphin Tale movies since then I always love marine animals my dream is to work with animals when I leave college to become a marine biology to work with you guys at Clearwater Marine Aquarium some day. I ❤❤❤❤❤❤ you CMA forever keep up with the amazing work you guys do for the marine animals

[@gerardroll6468]

I always love these feel-good animal rescue stories 👍❤️👍. Congratulations to ALL involved in these amazing rescues ✊😌❤️

[@ligablumfelde3477]

Thank you 💙

[@cherieannlisowski6332]

I love them so much thank you for nursing them back to health ❤

[@jennareeves3659]

Good for you guys.

[@sharoncarter6172]

How adorable!

[@clopterbug1]

Can't wait until the new manatee rescue section is built. I loved watching them swim in the bayou I used to live at. Even had 1 scare the tar out of me. Had my feet dangling in the water off the end of the dock n wasn't paying attention. It must have been curious cause it bumped its face on my foot. I pulled my feet out n squeeked😂 After realizing it was a manatee, I stood up n watched it swim away. Such wonderful n gentle critters 💙

[@gerardroll6468]

I can imagine how it would’ve initially scared the hell out of you before you realised what it was. At least it wasn’t something larger, hungrier & with “teeth & attitude to match” 😱😱😱

[@clopterbug1]

@gerardroll6468 I was terrified for that very reason 😂 Have seen bonnethead sharks, dolphins, crabs, rays, n all kinds of fish. Had no clue what it was n if I was on the menu 😂 Was happy to see the manatee. Definitely an encounter I won't forget😂

[@gerardroll6468]

@@clopterbug1 … I’m just glad your experience had a happy ending 😉👌 I’m a licensed scuba diver & have seen many animals “with teeth & attitudes to match” in the open ocean but thankfully, with the help of fellow divers & my training, I still have “everything attached” 👍😁. Dolphins, seals & even the monstrous looking, yet beautiful Whale Sharks are just some of the animals I’ve been fortunate to swim with… No manatees though as we don’t have them here in Australia. We have creatures called “Dugongs”, which look similar, but are very different.

[@clopterbug1]

@gerardroll6468 I am jealous! Whale sharks are so beautiful and to be along side of one would be a dream. My parents were divers. I tried to get certified but I freaked out on my 2nd dive. The query was in Tennessee and when the soot was kicked up, I couldn't see farther than 60 centimeters. My dive buddy left me behind and I freaked. So I came back to the surface. Now I just snorkel. Really want to try again but this time in clearer water. If you ever come to the states, I recommend diving in the gulf. It isn't as lavish and lush as Australia but we do have a lot to offer. If you come to Florida, there is only 1 place where you can swim with manatees legally. it is at Crystal River and the people that run it are very strict. We are very protective of our marine wildlife so read up on the laws so you don't get into trouble.

[@gerardroll6468]

@@clopterbug1 … I’m actually coming to the States later this year (October) for my wedding anniversary so I’ll definitely check it out as I’ve been to Florida twice before (Orlando & Tampa) & loved it. The “silting out” situation you described is the one & only reason I DON’T go into underwater caves or dive in murky water. I have dived on shipwrecks though & loved it. ….The swim with whale sharks was #1 on my bucket list & I did it at a place called Ningaloo Reef & we actually didn’t need the full scuba gear as we could simply use snorkels, masks & flippers, which were all provided & we got to see 6 of them, the largest of which was around 45 feet long. Cave diving for me is OUT of the question as I don’t want to end up as the “subject matter” in a Mr Ballen video for all the wrong reasons. If you love the water, don’t give up on getting certified because once you do, YOU are in control of where & when you dive & when you choose NOT to 👍🤿

[@DinoPerson28]

❤❤