Crews Rescue Manatee Trapped in Florida Storm Drain

Multiple agencies worked together to free the juvenile male manatee in Melbourne Beach.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A juvenile male manatee was rescued after getting stuck in a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, Florida. The manatee was likely seeking warmer water after a recent cold snap. It took a coordinated effort across multiple agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Brevard County Fire Rescue, and experts from the University of Florida, to free the manatee from the drain. The manatee was underweight and had some injuries, but was transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation.

Why it matters

Manatees are a protected species in Florida, and incidents like this highlight the importance of community collaboration and quick response to help rescue distressed animals. The rescue also showcases the challenges manatees can face due to changing environmental conditions, like cold weather, and the need for continued conservation efforts.

The details

After an employee with an architectural firm reported the trapped manatee to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline, rescuers worked to get permission to dig up the road and access the storm drain where the manatee was stuck. The operation took around two hours, with multiple agencies and experts working together to safely free the manatee. The manatee was found to be underweight and had some open wounds, but was transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation.

  • On Tuesday, multiple agencies responded to the report of the trapped manatee.
  • The rescue operation took around two hours after permission was granted to dig up the road.
  • Late Monday night, the manatee was transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation.

The players

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Florida's wildlife, including manatees.

Brevard County Fire Rescue

The local fire department that assisted in the rescue effort.

University of Florida Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services (UF VETS)

The veterinary experts who provided assistance and expertise during the rescue.

SeaWorld Orlando

The marine life park that is now caring for the rescued manatee and providing rehabilitation.

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What they’re saying

“This was a heavily coordinated effort across multiple agencies and community partners, and everyone came together with great communication and collaboration to ensure the quickest possible response.”

— Brandi Phillips, Animal Technical Rescue Branch Director for UF VETS (ksn.com)

“He's breathing on his own, moving independently and showing interest in food. Our teams are adjusting water levels to support buoyancy and comfort as part of his care. Our goal is always to stabilize and rehabilitate rescued manatees so they can ultimately be returned to the wild.”

— SeaWorld Orlando (ksn.com)

What’s next

The manatee will continue to receive care and rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando, with the goal of eventually returning the animal to the wild.

The takeaway

This rescue operation highlights the importance of community collaboration and quick response in helping to protect vulnerable wildlife like manatees. It also underscores the ongoing challenges manatees face due to environmental factors and the need for continued conservation efforts to support these protected species.