Manatee Calves Rescued After Their Mothers Were Killed Grow Stronger Each Day at Rehab Center | The Animal Rescue Site
Andrea Powell
Puerto Rican Antillean manatees are critically endangered with less than 700 remaining in the wild. One of the largest and growing threats they face is watercraft strikes.
Each year, speeding boats and Jet Skis in shallow, coastal waters cause significant manatee deaths. Deaths of mama manatees also endangers their orphaned calves left behind to fend for themselves, like Taiku and Dakiti.
Photo: Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center
Taiku was just four days old when she was found clinging to the body of her deceased mother who was struck and killed by a Jet Ski. Dakiti was found orphaned just a few days later and rescued just in time.
Photo: Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center
The orphaned calves were taken in by Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center to get the care and treatment they needed to survive.
They were immediately started on bottle feeding and veterinary care. Saving these young manatees requires a lot of time and resources. The process involves feeding every few hours, growth monitoring and gradual introduction of saltwater and seagrass to mimic their natural environment.
Photo: Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center
Thanks to amazing care, Taiku and Dakiti grew stronger each day and after three years of rehabilitation are ready to return to the wild. Tracking belts will be placed on them to monitor their safety and movement their first year in the wild.
Staff urge boaters to please watch for manatees and asks them to, “Navigate slowly near the shore and in manatee habitats. Wear polarized glasses to spot manatees. If you see a manatee, slow down, avoid creating waves, and give it space. Always respect posted speed limits of 5 knots or less in nearshore areas. Together, we can prevent tragedies like Taiku’s and give these gentle giants a chance to survive.”
Photo: Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center
Injured and orphaned manatees continue to arrive in need of care. Manatee rehabilitation programs have a 96% success rate, meaning your support can make a powerful impact in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing manatees back into the wild.
Donate now to provide the food, veterinary care, tracking, and research needed to protect endangered manatees like Taiku and Dakiti.
Read more articles by Andrea Powell.