MAUREPAS, La. (WAFB) – A 30-person rescue team, including a group from SeaWorld Orlando, is working to save a manatee spotted in the Amite Diversion Canal, where cold water temperatures have caused visible health concerns for the marine mammal.<\/p>\n
Anthony Gregoire, general manager of the Canal Bank Club, recorded video of the manatee swimming in the canal waters. The animal, also known as a sea cow, is believed to be the same one seen days ago near the west end boat launch in New Orleans.<\/p>\n
Rescue team races to save cold-stressed manatee in Louisiana canal.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he needs rescuing,\u201d Gregoire\u2019s wife said in the video. \u201cWe got a manatee,\u201d said Gregoire.<\/p>\n
Health concerns prompt urgent rescue<\/p>\n
The Audubon Aquarium Rescue posted a picture showing white lesions on the manatee\u2019s nose, identifying them as symptoms of cold stress caused by water temperature.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just like us when we get cold, and when you look at your hand and it\u2019s real cold. You start seeing the white at your fingertips. It\u2019s a lack of blood trying to get to the main organs of the animal to keep them warm,\u201d Gregoire said.<\/p>\n
The rescue team is working against the clock to move the manatee to safety and warmer waters.<\/p>\n
Rare sighting draws attention<\/p>\n
People have posted videos of the animal swimming, fascinated by the unusual South Louisiana sighting.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s kind of exciting. It\u2019s a different animal here,\u201d Gregoire said. \u201cYou never know who\u2019s coming to visit you in South Louisiana.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once rescued, the manatee will be rehabilitated and transported to Florida.<\/p>\n
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