Baby Manatee Argyle Rescued Twice in Florida Keys

When rescuers arrived at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on May 5, they barely recognized the tiny manatee struggling in the water.

Four months earlier, baby Argyle had been released back into Florida Keys waters alongside his mother Stripes, both healthy after recovering from her severe entanglement injury. The young calf weighed a robust 250 pounds at release in January.

But something had gone terribly wrong. When Dolphin Research Center's response team found Argyle again in early May, he had dropped to just 70 pounds and was in critical condition.

"This was a critical rescue effort where rapid response and collaboration were essential," said Allie Proskovec, Director of Media & Marketing at Dolphin Research Center. The team worked quickly to stabilize the severely emaciated calf before transporting him to SeaWorld Orlando for intensive care.

Argyle's story actually began a year ago when he was just two days old. His mother Stripes had become dangerously entangled, and both needed rescue. After successful treatment at SeaWorld, the pair were released together, giving everyone hope for a happy ending.

Rescuers spotted Stripes recently and she appeared healthy, but the calf with her looked so different they couldn't confirm it was Argyle until the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation transport team scanned him later. His drastic weight loss had changed his appearance completely.

Why This Inspires

While Argyle's second rescue might seem discouraging, it showcases something remarkable: a dedicated network of marine rescue teams who never give up. The Dolphin Research Center, SeaWorld Orlando, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission work together seamlessly to give vulnerable manatees every possible chance at survival.

SeaWorld now has Argyle on formula, and teams are investigating what caused his dramatic weight loss. The fact that rescuers recognized something was wrong, responded immediately, and transported him safely to expert care shows how far marine mammal protection has come in Florida.

This coordinated effort spanning multiple organizations and hundreds of miles gives Argyle his best shot at a full recovery and, hopefully, a successful return to the wild alongside his mother.

Anyone who spots an injured or distressed manatee in Florida can call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) to help these gentle giants get the care they need.