LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Crews are on scene removing 25 dead manatees from the waterways of Manatee Park in Lee County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
FWC said that initial observations suggest that cold stress may be a contributing factor to the dead manatees.
On Thursday, Lee County Parks and Recreation posted on its Facebook account delaying the opening of Manatee Park due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
WINK News traveled to Manatee Park, where our team observed crews on location removing a deceased manatee via crane lift and placed into an industrial dumpster.
FWC officials confirmed to WINK News that this matter is being investigated.
WINK News will provide updates regarding the manatee removal whenever new developments occur.
Nicholas Karsen is a Digital Specialist and has been with WINK News since May 2023.