The Wayward Manatee Rescued in Falmouth Is Pregnant

Veterinarians estimate the manatee is 4-5 months pregnant

The journey of the wayward manatee spotted off Cape Cod just took another turn. She is pregnant.

"We’ve got some exciting news to share! Yesterday our veterinary team was able to determine during an ultrasound test that the rescued manatee is pregnant. Our veterinary team will continue to monitor and assess her health in preparation for transport to Florida for a longer term rehabilitation before ultimate release into warmer Florida waters," writes the Mystic Aquarium. 
Veterinarians estimate the manatee is 4-5 months pregnant and since the gestation period is 12 months, the calf is due in May.
The manatee had been spotted off the coast of Cape Cod several times during the summer and was ultimately rescued in Falmouth and then transported to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. There was concern over the manatee's health because the animals typically don't fare well in water temperatures below 68 degrees, and the water temperatures off Cape Cod had been around 70 degrees.
If the mantatee is healthy, Mystic Aquarium plans on transporting her to Florida by plane the end of next week.

"We’ve got some exciting news to share! Yesterday our veterinary team was able to determine during an ultrasound test that the rescued manatee is pregnant. Our veterinary team will continue to monitor and assess her health in preparation for transport to Florida for a longer term rehabilitation before ultimate release into warmer Florida waters," writes the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, where the manatee is now recovering.

Veterinarians estimate the manatee is 4-5 months pregnant and since the gestation period is 12 months, the calf is due in May.

The manatee had been spotted off the coast of Cape Cod several times during the summer and was ultimately rescued in Falmouth and then transported to the Mystic Aquarium on Set. 22. There was concern over the manatee's health because the animals typically don't fare well in water temperatures below 68 degrees, and the water temperatures off Cape Cod had been around 70 degrees.

If the mantatee is healthy, Mystic Aquarium plans on transporting her to Florida by plane the end of next week.


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