Injured Manatee Rescued From Clearwater Canal Dies

CLEARWATER, FL -- A manatee severely injured by a several strikes from watercraft has died.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rescued the manatee Friday from Stevenson Creek off Douglas Avenue in Clearwater with the help of the Clearwater Parks and Recreation Department, which lifted the 2-ton manatee out of the water with a backhoe.

The manatee was taken to ZooTampa's manatee critical care center for treatment where the zoo's lead manatee veterinarian, Dr. Lauren Smith, said the female manatee had been struck multiple times by a boat.

The manatee suffered grave injuries, including losing her left pectoral flipper, according to rescuers. The wounds had become infected and the manatee succumbed to the injuries.

"The zoo is deeply saddened by the manatee’s passing," said ZooTampa in a statement. "We are committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of this iconic Florida species and remain steadfast in our mission to the conservation of manatees through critical care and education to prevent human- caused threats to manatees. We encourage everyone to be mindful of potential consequences of propeller strikes on wildlife while boating."

According to the FWC, 119 manatees were killed by watercraft in 2018.