Firefighters Rush To Rescue Manatee Trapped In A Florida Storm Drain

A brave Florida manatee has a second chance at life thanks to quick-thinking first responders who rushed to the threatened animal’s rescue.

While it’s not unusual to find a tiny kitten or baby bird become trapped in a storm drain in most parts of the world, Floridians tend to have a wider variety of animals who find themselves in need of human assistance.

According to local outlet First Coast News, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Jacksonville Fire Rescue department worked tirelessly for hours Wednesday to save a manatee trapped under the city in a storm drain.

Rescuers had to excavate the pipe to rescue the 9-foot-long West Indian sea cow, who was believed to gotten lost and floated in through the nearby Ortega River.

The manatee is out of the storm drain in the Ortega area. LIVE COVERAGE: https://t.co/TH5sruYWwX pic.twitter.com/gwWbVGEym8

— First Coast News (@FCN2go) November 30, 2016

A construction worker spotted the poor animal floating in the pipe while laying pavement and the saga of trying to save the injured animal began. Thankfully, the heroes were able to save the manatee by cutting through the pipe and placing her in a bag to be lifted.

Up until earlier in 2016, Florida manatees were on the endangered species list, yet they have thankfully been downgraded to just “threatened animals,” as their population grew.

@FCN2go How did he get there??

— Daryl Everett (@msdarylsigns) November 30, 2016

First Coast News, who live-streamed much the heart-pounding ordeal, revealed the manatee was alive, but in bad condition and will be taken to Sea World Orlando for rehabilitation and treatment. Sources confirmed a Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens vet also assessed the animal after its traumatic day.

Are you grateful for these brave first responders rushing to the rescue of this poor endangered creature? Let us know in the comments…

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[Featured Image:  First Coast News]

Firefighters Rush To Rescue Manatee Trapped In A Florida Storm Drain is an article from: LifeDaily