ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando is joining efforts with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with other Central Florida Services on the grounds of the conservation of manatees.

What You Need To Know

  • The partnership stems back from troubles in the Indian River Lagoon involving dying seagrass around 2 years ago

  • The collaboration looks to involve several Florida based organizations, including the University of South Florida and The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

  • The partnership will focus on the necessity of emergency care and action required to maintain the health of the manatee population

The partnership stems back from troubles in the Indian River Lagoon involving dying seagrass, around two years ago, according to Terri Calleston, lead of the Florida Manatee and Recovery. She says it was during this event many manatees suffered and leaders realized action had to be made.

The partnership involves SeaWorld Orlando and The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as the University of South Florida, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

“It’s just a tremendous partnership story, everybody coming together. Which is what it takes when you are dealing with 10-foot, thousand pound animals,” Calleston said.

Looking ahead, attendee U.S. Rep. Darren Soto sees better winters ahead, as well as continued restoration efforts, including grants from across the state, to save the iconic Florida animal.