410-Pound Manatee Rescued From Florida Storm Drain

The protected sea cow is now recovering at SeaWorld Orlando after a large rescue effort.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 410-pound manatee that got stuck in a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, Florida, while seeking warmer waters has been rescued and is now recovering at SeaWorld Orlando. Multiple fire rescue units and officials from various agencies worked together to free the manatee from the drain. The male manatee is now being cared for in one of SeaWorld's medical pools, where it is showing signs of improvement.

Why it matters

Manatees are a protected species that have been impacted by a recent mass starvation event, with over 1,100 deaths recorded in 2021. This rescue highlights the ongoing efforts to support the recovery of the manatee population in Florida.

The details

The manatee was spotted by a worker with the city of Melbourne Beach, who alerted authorities. Multiple fire rescue units, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida, and a towing company were brought in to free the 410-pound sea cow from the storm drain. The manatee is now being cared for at SeaWorld Orlando, where it is breathing on its own, moving independently, and showing interest in food.

  • On February 9, 2026, the manatee was spotted stuck in a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, Florida.
  • On February 11, 2026, the manatee was rescued and transported to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation.

The players

Melbourne Beach

The city in Florida where the manatee was found stuck in a storm drain.

Brevard County Fire Rescue

The fire rescue units that assisted in the manatee's rescue.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The state agency that helped in the rescue effort.

University of Florida

The institution that provided support during the rescue.

Jack's Wrecker Service

The towing company that helped in the rescue.

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What they’re saying

“We're in the process of improving the storm drain across Melbourne Beach. Our people were doing a survey. And one of the surveyors noticed a manatee in what is called a bethel box.”

— Terry Cronin, Vice Mayor of Melbourne Beach (WESH-TV)

“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.”

— Stephanie Bechara, Spokesperson for SeaWorld Orlando (Associated Press)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This rescue operation highlights the ongoing efforts to support the recovery of the manatee population in Florida, which has been impacted by a recent mass starvation event. The collaboration between various agencies and organizations demonstrates the commitment to protecting this protected species.