He Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center asked citizens for donations of formula to feed a three-day-old manatee rescued on Wednesday, in Loiza.
The rescue, together with Department of Natural and Environmental Resourceswas achieved after a citizen alerted Emergency Management, in the morning, about a calf stranded on the shores of Punta Iglesias beach. Not identifying her mother in the area, the rescue team took her to the Center, which is part of the Interamerican University of Puerto Ricoin Bayamon.
There, veterinarians certified that the manatee had colitis and dehydration. So far, he has responded adequately to antibiotic treatment and is stable in his condition, stated the director of the Center. Antonio Mignucci.
“We see her adapting little by little, but these first weeks are very delicate and (the baby manatee) will be in intensive care until this infection is removed and she stabilizes from dehydration”said the biologist, in a telephone interview with The New Day.
He added that the “manatina” has already begun to rest and maintains a satisfactory eating pattern, two factors that, according to Mignucci, are important for her recovery.
People interested in contributing to the calf’s recovery can bring their donation of “EleCare” – a formula commonly administered to infants – to the Center. The formula is available in pharmacies, department stores and online.
“Every animal counts, but even more important are females like her… when she goes and becomes mature, at 5 or 6 years old, she will begin to reproduce. In its entire life, it could give us up to 20 to 10 puppies, which help the population get out of danger of extinction.”Mignucci highlighted.
The newborn, who does not yet have an official name, will remain in the Center’s care until she is ready to be released into the sea in two to three years.
The manatees They are endangered mammals that live on the coasts and river mouths in Puerto Rico. Due to their harmless nature, they are often vulnerable to hits from marine vehicles and other types of abuse from humans. Hurting, touching or chasing a wild manatee can lead to legal consequences at the local and federal level, from fines of thousands of dollars to a year in prison.