Community Corner
Manatee Famous For Cape Cod Trip Dies In Florida
Ilya made headlines in 2009 for swimming as far north as the Cape from his native Florida.
MAITLAND, FL – A manatee struck by wanderlust who became famous after traveling to Cape Cod from his native Florida has died. Ilya was hit by a boat in the Florida Keys, non-profit Save the Manatee Club wrote on Facebook this week.
In 2009 Ilya made headlines when he was spotted off the coasts of New Jersey and Cape Cod. A massive rescue effort was launched to contain the manatee, treat him for cold stress and send him home as water temperatures dropped.
Ilya was seen in south Florida several times after his adventure up north, according to the Save the Manatee Club.
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"His adventurous spirit will be missed by many," the organization wrote.
Photo of a manatee (not Ilya) courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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