In search of Florida’s warm ocean waters, a group of manatees made their way toward the Sunshine State. But before they could make it all the way, the herd of 19 became trapped in a local drainage pipe.

When passerbys noticed the poor animals, specialists and local authorities were notified and quickly assembled to help free the helpless creatures.

Manatees can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh more than 1,200 pounds, so as you can imagine, this was no easy task. The rescuers ended up having to cut the pipes to remove each one of the marine animals, and then lifted one-by-one onto extra large stretchers. 

Thanks to these brave rescuers, all 19 manatees were returned to the sea, and aside from a few cuts a bruises, ultimately unharmed!

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