An orphaned manatee calf was rescued yesterday afternoon by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and then transported to SeaWorld Orlando late yesterday for rehabilitation and long-term care. The young calf was spotted swimming alone by a private citizen prior to its rescue from Sykes Creek in Merritt Island, Fla.

As we enter into a new year, it’s inspiring to look back and reflect on all that was accomplished the year before. Here at SeaWorld Orlando, a large part of what makes us who we are is the incredible animal rescue, rehabilitation and return efforts that happen on a daily basis.

From tiny newborn turtle hatchlings to manatees weighing more than half a ton, we’ve had the extraordinary privilege to care for some amazing animals and then return them to their natural environment, which is always our goal.

Yesterday morning, Sept. 27, SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Sea to Shore, rescued a wayward manatee nicknamed Lil Joe who was lost in the Little Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County, Fla.

Thursday morning (August 2, 2012), SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Merritt Island, Fla. to return a rescued manatee and her two-week-old calf to their natural environment.

A pregnant manatee rescued by SeaWorld’s Animal team in June has given birth to a healthy manatee calf!

An injured manatee that was rescued by SeaWorld Orlando a week ago (June 8) was determined to be pregnant during a recent ultrasound procedure by the park’s animal care team.

Last Friday, SeaWorld's animal rescue team put their love and strength together to rescue a 1,380-pound, injured manatee from the waters of Sykes Creek in Merritt Island, Fla. The 10-foot manatee had severe injuries to the front right flipper caused by crab trap line. Fishing line was also wrapped around both of its front flippers.

In July of 1989, a young orphaned manatee was rescued near Daytona Beach, FL and brought to SeaWorld’s Manatee Rehabilitation Facility. Weighing only 42 pounds, this tiny calf was named Lil Joe. After hands-on care, Lil Joe would grow to become a special, not-so-little manatee.