After being rescued from a Florida storm drain, a manatee weighing 410 pounds is now recovering at SeaWorld Orlando. Crews worked to safely pull the large animal to safety.
A worker in Melbourne Beach noticed a large manatee stuck in a storm drain. Rescue teams worked for several hours to carefully free the nearly 7-foot animal and transport him to SeaWorld for care and rehabilitation.
The manatee is currently in stable condition and being closely monitored by experts as it begins to recover, according to the Associated Press.
Manatee is now recovering at SeaWorld
After a manatee recovers, the people caring for it want to return it to its natural habitat. Stephanie Bechara, a representative from SeaWorld Orlando, shared this update on the animal’s health:
He’s breathing without assistance, can move on his own, and is starting to show an appetite. Our team is carefully managing the water around him to help him float comfortably and continue his recovery.
Rescued! ‘Melby’ the manatee freed from Melbourne Beach storm drain
— Florida Today (@Florida_Today) February 11, 2026
Vice Mayor Terry Cronin explained how the male manatee was found and revealed the unusual thing that was blocking its system.
We’re working to improve the storm drain system in Melbourne Beach. While our team was surveying the area, one of them spotted a manatee inside a baffle box.
Firefighters and wildlife specialists teamed up to rescue the manatee. Experts will keep a close watch on the animal as it recovers.
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2026-02-12 16:20