As Hurricane Helene slammed into Florida’s coast, it left a profound mark not only on human lives but also on the region’s marine wildlife. Among the animals affected, manatees—often referred to as "gentle giants"—have been particularly vulnerable, finding themselves stranded in precarious situations due to the storm’s ferocious impact.

Manatees and Hurricanes: A Deadly Mix

Though manatees are no strangers to Florida's extreme weather, hurricanes can still pose significant risks. Patrick Rose, an aquatic biologist and executive director of Save the Manatee Club, explained that while manatees are native to Florida and generally adapt to storms, hurricanes can drive them inland, where they often become trapped when waters recede.

“Storm surges can cause manatees to go far inland to areas they would not normally inhabit, where they can become stranded when the water recedes,” Rose told Newsweek.

The challenge extends beyond the initial stranding. Even in familiar habitats, such as Tampa Bay and the Big Bend region, irregularly low water levels left behind after the storm can trap manatees in shallow areas. This puts them at risk of dehydration, stress, or worse—especially if they cannot access their food sources.

Rescue Efforts: A Race Against Time

In the days following Hurricane Helene, FWC biologists, along with their network of wildlife partners, worked tirelessly to locate and rescue stranded manatees. The agency shared photos of recent rescues, including one showing a manatee stuck in a ditch, surrounded by just a small puddle of water, reported CBS 12 News. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for rapid response to save these creatures before their situation worsens.

According to the ASPCA, the storm's devastating impact on the entire Southeastern region has prompted animal rescue groups to mobilize across state lines. Efforts include everything from direct rescues to providing critical supplies like water and food for affected wildlife. The ASPCA’s disaster response team has been active in areas like Florida’s Escambia County, assisting both animals and humans caught in the hurricane’s path.

Manatees’ Ongoing Struggles

The long-term impact of Hurricane Helene on the manatee population is not yet fully realized, but experts fear that many manatees may suffer from the cumulative stress of frequent extreme weather events. As reported by Animals 24-7, manatees were not the only wildlife affected by the storm, but their plight remains one of the most concerning due to their vulnerable status and slow recovery rate.

The public has also been called upon to assist in these rescue efforts. FWC urges residents to report any sightings of stranded, injured, or deceased manatees through their Wildlife Alert Hotline, but warns that individuals should not attempt to help these large animals on their own. Professional intervention is often needed to ensure the animals' safety and survival.

Looking Forward

As Hurricane Helene fades into the past, the recovery efforts for both humans and animals continue. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Save the Manatee Club, and various rescue organizations are still actively engaged in rehabilitating stranded manatees. These gentle creatures, already facing challenges from habitat loss, boat strikes, and pollution, now must also contend with the aftermath of one of the region’s most powerful storms.

The lessons learned from Helene will hopefully guide future preparations and responses, both for manatees and for the countless other species whose habitats are threatened by increasingly severe weather patterns. The hope is that continued support from both governmental agencies and the public will help ensure these animals' safety in the years to come.