Feb. 10 (UPI) — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission teamed up with multiple agencies to rescue a manatee found stuck inside a Brevard County storm drain.
The FWC said multiple agencies, including Brevard County Fire Rescue, were called to assist with the Monday operation in Melbourne Beach.
Melbourne Beach Vice Mayor Terry Cronin said the manatee was discovered by chance.
“We’re in the process of improving the storm drain across Melbourne Beach,” Cronin told WESH-TV. “Our people were doing a survey. And one of the surveyors noticed a manatee in what is called a bethel box. Trapped in there. The thought is the manatee was seeking warmer water during that cold snap and went up the pipe from the Indian River and got stuck.”
The rescuers ended up drilling into the road and lifting a concrete slab to make a hole large enough to lift the manatee out using a tow truck.
The FWC said the adult male manatee was active during the rescue and did not show signs of cold stress, but its overall health status was not immediately apparent.
The manatee, dubbed Melby by rescuers, was taken to SeaWorld Orlando for veterinary care and rehabilitation.
It was unclear how the animal managed to make its way into the storm drain.