Since August 2006, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Marine Mammal Rescue Team has been assisting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) with local stranding events.  In only a short time, Team members have gained valuable experience with marine mammal species such as manatees, bottle-nosed dolphins, and right whales.  The Zoo’s goal in starting the program was to give staff the opportunity to get directly involved with local conservation.  Very quickly a positive relationship developed with FWC, and the program proved mutually beneficial.  FWC can make one call and get all the trained animal care professionals they need.  The majority of events have involved manatees and have included everything from rescues, to health assessments, to necropsies.  Team members mostly volunteer on their own time, but the Zoo does also support participation ‘on the clock’ when appropriate.

Zoo Staff assist Beaked Whale carcass recovery on Bird Island in Northeast Florida		Zoo Staff assisted in a Sperm Whale necropsy in the St. Petersburg, FL area

In July 2008, the Jacksonville based FWC marine mammal staff, as well as the sea turtle and freshwater fish staff, relocated their offices and equipment to the Jacksonville Zoo grounds.

If you would like to learn more go to http://www.savethemanatee.org http://www.myfwc.com/ or http://research.myfwc.com/.

Manatee and calf photo by Nadia Gordon