Image Credit: Huffington Post
Manatees have inspired millions of people to take up arms to protect and save these beautiful creatures.
But what happens when a manatee is in trouble?
The people and organizations that dedicate their lives to helping marine animals come to the rescue, of course!
On Thursday morning, a young manatee was rescued from Charlotte Harbor (near Fort Myers Beach, FL) after suffering the effects of red tide.
What’s red tide?
Red tide is another name for a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) that usually occurs along Florida’s Gulf Coast and is caused by microscopic algae that produce toxins that kill fish and make shellfish dangerous to eat. The toxins may also make the surrounding air hard to breathe and turns the water red, which is where the name “red tide” comes from.
The manatee, nicknamed “Bokeelia Boy”, is the first manatee that scientists know of that has suffered the effects of red tide.
Bokeelia Boy was taken to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, which is famous for caring for critically injured, sick and orphaned manatees.
Zoo officials say they are hopeful and expect the manatee to make a full recovery.
Learn more about the Manatee Hospital and Aquatic Center at the Lowry Park Zoo here.