The Jacksonville Zoo Is Putting In WORK To Save This Sick Manatee In Critical Condition

Featured Image Credit: Chris Muenzer, Flickr

Jacksonville Zoo is working diligently to save manatee’s life found on Vilano Beach in St. Johns County.

The 10-foot-long, underweight at 1,100 pounds beached manatee was called in on Sunday, March 18 by Vilano Beach beachgoers.

Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call and transported the animal to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

Zoo keepers and staff are all hands on deck to bring this manatee back to good health as the animal did not submerge and was not eating upon initial arrival.

“FWC’s quick response time, coupled with the immediate care provided by the Jacksonville Zoo and Garden’s Animal Health and manatee husbandry teams, were crucial to his survival during such a critical period. The manatee has started eating on his own and his blood work values are improving, so we are cautiously optimistic that he is heading in the right direction.” Said zoo veterinarian, Meredith Persky.

By Wednesday, March 21, the manatee began eating but still remains under critical condition.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens are to receive two juvenile females from The Manatee Critical Care Center and guest will be able to view the manatees from the Wild Florida loop.

If you spot an injured marine animal, call the  FWC hotline at 1-888-404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.

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