SeaWorld Orlando celebrates a historic milestone with its 1,000th manatee rescue, highlighting decades of dedication to marine rescue and rehabilitation. It is celebrating this for Manatee Appreciation Day.
SeaWorld Orlando has reached a historic milestone with 1,000 manatee rescues. This marks a significant step in the ongoing fight to protect this vulnerable species. This achievement highlights SeaWorld’s leadership in marine conservation, reinforcing its critical role in rescue, rehabilitation, and return efforts.
SeaWorld Orlando has spent nearly five decades committed to marine wildlife conservation and rescue. Since 1976, SeaWorld Orlando’s dedicated rescue team has operated one of only three critical care facilities in the nation. They have responded to manatees in need due to cold stress, boat strikes, entanglements, and other life-threatening conditions. SeaWorld Orlando’s facility has earned its reputation as a leading center for manatee rehabilitation with state-of-the-art resources, including temperature-controlled recovery pools, diagnostic equipment, and a specialized team of veterinarians and experts.
SeaWorld Orlando and Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP)
Through the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), SeaWorld Orlando collaborates with federal, state, and nonprofit organizations to rescue, rehabilitate, and release manatees. This coordinated effort plays a key role in addressing the challenges manatees face and preserving a healthy ecosystem in Florida’s waters. In 2024, SeaWorld Orlando rescued 61 manatees and was able to rehabilitate and return 38 manatees.
Beyond rescue and rehabilitation, SeaWorld Orlando is committed to educating the public on manatee conservation. This is done through in-park programs, partnerships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and other community outreach efforts. The facility’s team works continuously to increase public awareness of safe boating practices, environmental stewardship, and actions that individuals can take to protect manatees.
Major Milestone for SeaWorld Orlando
“Congratulations to SeaWorld on its 1,000th manatee rescue – an incredible milestone that underscores their vital role in ensuring the future of Florida manatees,” said Terri Calleson, Florida manatee recovery lead for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “SeaWorld consistently goes above and beyond, often caring for more than 40 manatees at a time and leading rescues outside Florida. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is deeply grateful for our partnership with SeaWorld Orlando in advancing manatee conservation through rescue, rehabilitation, and the successful return of hundreds of manatees back to the wild.”
A testament to the life-saving work being done at SeaWorld Orlando was the rescue and rehabilitation of Reckless and Churro, a mother-daughter manatee pair. Rescued in 2022, Reckless suffered a catastrophic boat strike that shattered her shoulder, leaving her in critical condition. Her newborn calf, Churro, was just one to two days old at the time of rescue. During 20 months of intensive care, SeaWorld Orlando’s expert veterinary team performed 12 lifesaving procedures. It provided more than 17,000 hours of specialized care to ensure the pair could return to their natural habitat successfully. Their story highlights the fantastic efforts SeaWorld Orlando undertakes to save individual animals while contributing to the species’ long-term survival.
“Reaching 1,000 manatee rescues is an incredible achievement and reflects the decades of dedication from our expert rescue team, who have devoted their careers to ensuring the survival of Florida’s manatee population,” said Dr. Joseph Gaspard, vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld Orlando and vice chair of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership. “The support of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership has been instrumental in our efforts, and together, we are making strides toward securing a future for these gentle giants.”
Manatee Rescue
“Manatees are an iconic part of Florida’s ecosystem, and we are honored to play a key role in their conservation. By rescuing, rehabilitating and hopefully returning these animals, we not only save individual lives but also inspire our guests to join us in protecting these amazing creatures,” said Jon Peterson, park president of SeaWorld Orlando.
SeaWorld’s legacy of animal rescue spans more than 60 years. In that time, SeaWorld’s Rescue Teams have aided over 41,000 sick, injured, and orphaned animals in need, giving them a second chance at life. None of this would be possible without the continued support of partner agencies, park guests, pass members, and dedicated team members, as well as the people across the globe taking action to protect these amazing animals and their habitats. SeaWorld’s Rescue teams are on call 24/7/365 to rescue and help animals needing care.
For more information about SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue efforts and how to support the mission, please visit SeaWorld.com. On select days, the Seven Seas Food Festival runs at SeaWorld Orlando through May 2. In addition, Expedition Odyssey opens at SeaWorld Orlando this year. Also, for more theme park-related news, visit MSM News.
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