The video above shows the rescue of two manatees last week who were stuck on the canal.
Melbourne Beach, Fla. (WFLA) – Rescuers reached for a manatee on Tuesday and were spotted with a fishing lure held in their mouths.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute said staff at Melbourne Beach Labs worked with experts from four organizations to assist marine mammals.
Photo: Detective Pinellas rescues a young owl from a busy clearwater parking lot
The team safely removed the lure, completed the health assessment, and equipped the manatee with new tracking gear, including satellite tags.
The rescuer gave the manatee the name “Carriope” before she was brought back to the water.
Calliope’s rescue happened to coincide with Earth Day. The FWC said it should keep an eye on the tormented wildlife, reminding them to “hide trash.”
Those who assisted in the rescue included members of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Institute, Save the Manatee Club, Volusia County Marine Mammal Strying and Zutampa.
Anyone who finds a manatee who has died, injured, entangled, tormented, or tagged, will be asked to call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
