KEY LARGO, Fla. – A mother manatee known as “Stripes” and her newborn calf were rescued near Key Largo on Thursday after the adult manatee was found severely entangled in fishing line, according to officials with the Dolphin Research Center and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Authorities said the line was tightly wrapped around both of Stripes’ pectoral flippers, a potentially life-threatening condition that could have kept her calf — just two days old — from nursing properly. The pair stayed close together throughout the rescue.
They said Stripes has been rescued before, highlighting the ongoing threat discarded fishing gear poses to marine mammals in Florida waters.
This time, DRC’s veterinarian, Dr. Scott Gearhart, removed some of the entangling line and determined she needed extensive medical care.
Both animals were transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation, officials confirmed.
“This rescue is a powerful reminder of how our everyday choices impact the natural world,” said Allie Proskovec, DRC’s director of media and marketing. “Entanglement injuries are preventable.”
The Dolphin Research Center is the only facility authorized to handle manatee rescues throughout the Florida Keys, a more than 100-mile stretch of island chain. The team is on call around the clock.
Officials are urging the public to dispose of fishing line properly using monofilament recycling bins found at many Florida marinas, boat ramps and fishing spots.
To report an injured or distressed manatee, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922.
