FORT MYERS, Fla. – An injured manatee and her calf were rescued Wednesday from the Orange River in Lee County and taken for medical care after deputies and state wildlife officers coordinated a water-based operation, authorities said.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the agency’s Marine Unit and Advanced Technology Support Unit assisted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in rescuing a manatee mother and calf from the Orange River on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. Officials said the adult manatee was injured and needed help.
The sheriff’s office said drone pilots provided aerial support during the effort, keeping track of the manatees and providing live video to rescue boats to help guide the operation. Crews on the water then worked to safely capture the animals.
Both manatees are expected to be transported to ZooTampa for medical care, the sheriff’s office said. Authorities did not release details Wednesday about the nature of the mother’s injuries or what may have caused them.
Manatees are protected in Florida, and experts typically advise the public not to approach or attempt to assist the animals directly. Officials often ask residents and boaters to report injured, sick, distressed or dead manatees to wildlife authorities so trained responders can evaluate and, if needed, intervene.
For commuters and workers traveling near the Orange River and adjacent waterways, officials urged boaters to remain alert and operate at safe speeds, especially in areas where manatees may surface unexpectedly.
The sheriff’s office credited the multi-agency response with helping crews maintain visual contact and reduce the time needed to locate and assist the animals.
Authorities did not immediately say how long the manatees are expected to remain under veterinary care or when additional updates may be released.
