Emaciated manatee calf is rescued off Keys. Next stop: Orlando
An emaciated manatee calf was rescued on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Florida Keys on Tuesday and sent to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation.
The male calf, estimated to be a little more than a year old, was found in critical condition at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, said Allie Proskovec, spokeswoman with the Dolphin Research Center, a marine-mammal park and rescue group located in Grassy Key in the Lower Keys.
The manatee’s mother was in the area, but Proskovec said there were no signs that she was nursing the calf.
A Dolphin Research Center veterinarian administered preliminary medical care to the animal on site, and it was transported to Orlando, Proskovec said. The manatee “will receive intensive, around-the-clock veterinary care and rehabilitation” at SeaWorld, Proskovec said.
“This was a critical rescue effort where rapid response and collaboration were essential,” Proskovec said in a statement. “Our team worked quickly to provide life-saving support and ensure the calf has the best possible chance for recovery.”
Manatees usually live to about 25 years old, but have been known to live into their 50s. Calves and mothers usually stay together for two years, and the calves depend on the mothers not only for nutrition, but to learn how to independently feed and navigate, according to SeaWorld.
Anyone seeing a manatee or other marine mammal in distress is asked to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s hotline at 1-888-404-3922.
This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Emaciated manatee calf is rescued off Keys. Next stop: Orlando."
