A manatee that was trapped for over a week in a spillway was finally freed and released into Tampa Bay recently.
According to a news story dated June 11th, the drama started at the end of May when a teenager approached police officer Courtney Zak and told her the animal was trapped near Twin Brooks Golf Course. Zak followed the teen and discovered an 800-pound, nine-foot sea cow trapped in water only two feet deep. The animal was trying to free itself without success.
Zak called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which recommended she simply watch and see if the animal could save itself, noting it was only a few feet from Clam Bayou. Unfortunately, the manatee was unable to get free, according to Andy Garrett of the wildlife commission. That's when people got involved.
About 15 rescuers, including people from the wildlife commission and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, met at the spillway. It proved impossible to find the creature in the murky water, and they had to wait for it to surface to breathe. The finally spotted it, got nets around it, and pulled it to shore.
From there the manatee, which proved to be an adult male, was put into a rescue van and driven to Maximo Park, where he was set free to smiles and cheers from those watching.
Wildlife officials might work with brochure printers to create a mailer for residents describing how they can help in this type of situation.
