Successful rehabilitation and release for “Crumpet”! “Crumpet” was released into the C17 Canal in North Palm Beach today! The manatee was first spotted near Manatee Lagoon in January 2022. The distressed but resilient sea cow evaded Florida Wildlife Commission for about two weeks before being spotted weeks later in Port Everglades in Broward nearly sixty miles away.

Crumpet was injured with a gash and floating sideways, unable to go underwater for food. SeaWorld and FWC transported “Crumpet” to SeaWorld Orlando where he recovered for almost seven months. FWC Marine Biologist Amber Howell stated “This manatee was in critical shape when we got to him. He has already gained about 400 pounds since we got to him in February. SeaWorld was able to rehabilitate him, and we were able to release him today.”

The West Indian manatee species, spotted throughout Palm Beach County, was once abundant throughout the tropic and subtropical western North and South Atlantic and Caribbean waters. However, the manatee numbers have been significantly reduced. Today, the West Indian manatee is listed as an endangered species.

If you see a manatee DO NOT TOUCH it! It is illegal. Florida manatees were first protected through Florida State Law in 1893. Manatees are protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act (§379.2431(2), Florida Statutes) and are federally protected by both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. 

If you see an injured manatee, please report it immediately to FWC here.