SeaWorld Taking Care Of Orphaned Manatee Calf

ORLANDO (CBSMiami) - Taking care of an orphaned manatee has become a real 'labor of love' for the animal care staff at SeaWorld Orlando.

About a week ago, the 3-week old calf was rescued from the Tomoka River behind a residential home in Ormond Beach. The tiny 66-pound calf had been on her own for more than 24 hours.

She was confused, lost and lacking vital nutrients from nursing, according to SeaWorld.

The calf was taken to the park's rehab area where she has been bottle-fed seven times a day and looked after around the clock by SeaWorld's veterinarians and animal care experts. Her bloodwork and x-rays came back normal, which is a good sign.

SeaWorld Orlando will continue to care for the manatee in hopes of returning her to the natural environment once she is strong and mature enough to survive.

So far this year, SeaWorld Orlando has rescue more than 500 animals.

Seaworld Orlando is part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership which is a cooperative group of non-profit, private, state, and federal entities who work together to monitor the health and survival of rehabilitated and released manatees.