News Summary
A manatee suffering from cold stress was rescued near the USF St. Pete campus, showcasing community involvement in wildlife conservation. Thanks to a swift response from a marine biology student and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the manatee is now receiving care at ZooTampa. Awareness of cold stress and community compassion were highlighted during this rescue operation.
Manatee Rescue: A Heartwarming Story from St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is making headlines this week with a rescue tale that’s warmed the hearts of animal lovers everywhere! A manatee, known for its gentle demeanor and playful nature, was saved from the grips of cold stress near the USF St. Pete campus on a chilly Wednesday morning. Thanks to the swift actions of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the dedicated staff at ZooTampa, this majestic creature is now on the path to recovery.
A Rescue in Action
The early hours of the morning were far from ordinary for a USF marine biology student named Kierstyn Benjamin. While buried in her studies at the library, she spotted the distressed manatee struggling in the waters. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, she quickly contacted FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline. Her swift response allowed the FWC to gather vital information and make an immediate move to the scene.
Arriving promptly, FWC utilized the photos and videos Benjamin had provided to assess the situation. When they reached the manatee, it was clear the animal was in a precarious condition. Described as lethargic and underweight, it was displaying visible signs of cold stress, including skin lesions and a heavy algae load clinging to its body. Cold stress in manatees can occur when water temperatures dip below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to a critical need for these marine mammals to find warmer environments.
ZooTampa’s Role in Rehabilitation
The rescued manatee was transported to ZooTampa, where staff have reported being extremely busy this winter caring for other manatees facing similar issues. The center has become a crucial haven for these aquatic giants seeking refuge as temperatures drop. Given the right treatment and care, ZooTampa aims to rehabilitate the manatee and eventually release it back into the wild.
However, the timeline for recovery can vary significantly. Depending on the extent of the cold stress, the rehabilitation process could take anywhere from days to several months. This uncertainty is not uncommon, as each manatee’s condition is unique and requires careful monitoring and tailored care.
Understanding Cold Stress in Manatees
For those unfamiliar, cold stress in manatees manifests through various symptoms. These can include skin bleaching, unresolved sores, or obvious signs of body weight loss—clues that all point to the need for immediate intervention. This winter season has seen a surge in cold-stressed manatees, with FWC rescuing multiple individuals to assure their safety and health.
In fact, more manatees succumbed to similar cold stress issues in early February, prompting a coordinated effort for rescue across different locations. This highlights the pressing need for awareness as temperatures fluctuate throughout the season.
A Community Response
The FWC is always encouraging community members to play an active role in wildlife conservation. If you encounter any wildlife that appears injured or out of the ordinary, remember to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Every call could be the key to saving a life!
Conclusion
St. Petersburg has showcased what a community united can achieve when it comes to wildlife conservation. With dedicated individuals like Kierstyn Benjamin and the tireless team at ZooTampa, there’s hope on the horizon for manatees affected by cold stress. As temperatures continue to rise and fall, let’s remain vigilant and support these precious beings who share our waters.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida Business Update: Changes and Challenges Across the State
USF St. Petersburg Celebrates Graduates and New Developments
Additional Resources
- WTSP: Cold Stress Manatee Rescue
- WTSP: Wildlife Experts Rescue Manatee
- Fox 13: Manatee Rescued from Bayboro Harbor
- Wink News: Manatee Distressed and Captured
- St. Pete Catalyst: Aquariums’ First Manatee Patients
- Wikipedia: Manatee
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
