Crystal River, FL (September 15, 2016) – On September 1, 2016, Hurricane Hermine brought heavy winds and high flood waters to Crystal River. As the waters rose during the storm, seven manatees entered the Plantation Inn Golf Course Pond and became entrapped when the water receded. Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s (CMA) rescue team participated in a multi-agency collaboration to rescue and relocate the entrapped manatees. Collaborators included the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), University of Florida, U.S. Geological Survey, United States Fish and Wildlife Services , and Lowry Park Zoo. Upon rescue, the manatees were evaluated through health assessments. CMA and other agencies assisted FWC in safely transporting and returning the manatees to Kings Bay.
Watch video of the rescue here on ABC Action News- WFTS – Tampa Bay’s Facebook page.
