PHOTO COURTESY: Mystic Aquarium
HYANNIS – Officials at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut want a manatee rescued off Cape Cod to be quickly moved to another rehabilitation center in Florida.
The manatee, named Washburn, was found off Washburn Island in East Falmouth on September 22 and was transported to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut for rehabilitation.
Once officials found out this week that Washburn was four to five months pregnant, they felt a sense of urgency to transport the manatee to another facility in either Miami or Orlando in the next couple of weeks.
“This is the first manatee that we have had in our care, we opened 43 years ago, it’s very exciting for us,” said aquarium spokeswoman Dale Wolbrink.
The manatee has been fed spinach and lettuce while under the care of aquarium staff and is considered in good condition.
An animal rescue team at the facility have also been monitoring the manatee, who is swimming in a warm pool in their animal care building.
“She’s doing well, she’s acclimated very well to her pool environment where she is currently, she’s eating well and we’re just looking forward to getting her stronger so that we can get her back to Florida,” said Wolbrink.
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter
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