Rescue Update Oct. 12, 2008
We are sad to report that despite the best efforts of rescuers from IFAW, US Fish and Wildlife and Sea World, Dennis the wayward manatee that had called Cape Cod home for the past few weeks, died just an hour short of reaching Orlando.
Rescuers had been able to increase his body temperature from 73 degrees to 89 - normal for a manatee is 90 degrees - and his glucose levels had also increased. All signs looked positive, but unfortunately Dennis crashed around 3:00pm Sunday.
Tests to determine the exact cause of death will be done over the next few weeks.
We will continue to update as more information becomes available. We would like to once again thank everyone for the outpouring of support shown for this lost manatee.
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Your donation will go directly into IFAW's Emergency Relief fund, and will be used immediately and where needed most to help the animal victims of our Emergency Relief work around the world.
After observing the rescue of Dennis by IFAW workers and the team from Sea World, my family and I are deeply saddened by his death. We witnessed IFAW workers, along with the Sea World team work smoothly and efficiently in rescuing Dennis. My family and I will now support your valuable organization after witnessing your wonderful and very important work.
Thank you for all your efforts.
Posted by: Gail Watts | October 12, 2008 at 10:55 PM
With the effects of global warming, how the hell do we know that this manatee was acting normally? Evertime humans try to interject in nature, we kill things. What the hell is wrong with us?... it's simple, the manatee was alive and swimming in Cape Cod waters... then we killed it, because WE THOUGHT it was out of place... humans are idiots.
Posted by: Daniel | October 12, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Whoever was in charge of this supposed RESCUE operation should be subsequently ripped from their environment, thrust into the hills of Tibet, and be forced to adapt to the biological environmental change, just like they made this poor manatee do. humans are ignorant of marine life, we seriously need more education to restore America back to a smart nation. Because right now, we suck really bad. Why is it so difficult to let nature be nature? If this manatee was in the water... well then... did it ever cross their minds that perhaps - IT KNEW WHAT IT WAS DOING!!!?
AAUUHHGGGHHH...
I hate humans.
Posted by: Daniel | October 12, 2008 at 11:12 PM
The manatee was alive before the saviors arrived. After they lent a helping hand, it was dead.
That sums it up.
Posted by: Joe | October 13, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Dennis should have been allowed to live (or die) where he was. Even a slow death in cold waters has to be better than a terrified death in the alien world of a moving van, or, even worse, any time at all living at SeaWorld. Trying to "save" Dennis may have got your name in the news, it might even get you some donations--but it all comes at far too great a price. Shame on you IFAW.
Posted by: Jason | October 13, 2008 at 01:59 AM
Well, I was glad on your attempt to rescue Dennis for in the article you had stated that he was showing signs of stress due to the cold waters that they're not use to. I am very saddened by his death but I'm sure that the SeaWorld team and you did try your hardest to get him to a place that's more suitable for him. Great job!
Posted by: Haley | October 13, 2008 at 10:25 AM
We were visiting from Vermont and came upon the rescue scene at Sesuit Harbor. We were touched by the compassion and the outpouring of concern shared by all of the people standing and observing. At a time when the world is in such turmoil, it was heartwarming to see vistors, neighbors, rescue teams, harbor staff and reporters coming together in an attempt to do something good.
Posted by: Barbara & Roger | October 13, 2008 at 06:51 PM
Hey, why can't we let nature take it's course, as Daniel suggests? Our Creator is in control; we need to stand back and watch how He works. He knows what's best for ALL of us, including wildlife. There's the key--WILDlife; let's keep it that way. WILD animals were NEVER meant to live in tanks, pens, or cages, as we want them to, for our pleasure! We need to get a REAL life--wake up, people!!!
Posted by: George T | October 14, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Scuttlebutt on the Cape is that the way "Dennis" was handled his weight may have crushed his organs. One rep was quoted as saying it would cost "tens of thousands of dollars" for this fiasco. How about a plane with a float tank? Hope you got lots of donations at this poor creatures expense.
Posted by: Peter | October 14, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Why was this animal put in a truck and sent all the way to Florida?
Why wasn't it sent to a location closer on the Cape or near the Cape? It could NEVER have survive such a trip. IFAW--- the first letter must stand for the word meaning "not smart."
Posted by: Dee | October 18, 2008 at 10:28 AM