Lucky / Unlucky CC The Manatee

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Today is Friday the 13th! Though superstition calls for this to be an unlucky day, my experience is it usually has a strong element of luck to it! CC the Manatee was lucky he had so many people concerned during his rehabilitation and after his release — but two weeks ago CC was unlucky enough to encounter what was thought to be a speeding boat, ending his life.

CC the Manatee Finding His Way After ReleaseFlorida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 16, 2011, CC the manatee is released for a third time. Orphaned as a small 55 pound manatee in 2006, CC goes through three releases and is rescued a few times before he is to be considred a successful release back into the wild. A few minutes after CC is released with a tracking buoy and a brand on his back he is swimming normally in the springs. Horizontal orientation blue and aqua spring waters mixing and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. (Carol Grant)

Orphaned and weighing only 55 pounds, CC was rescued from the Caloosahatchee River in Ft. Myers, Florida on July 1, 2006. Many manatees that small have a hard time surviving after rescue, but CC triumphed! You could call him a very lucky manatee. Sea World in Orlando orchestrated his first rehabilitation and in-depth learning processes. Young manatees are very naive and have to learn everything from their mothers, so when mom is absent caregivers step up and pair them with other manatees when appropriate. Different vegetation manatees eat in the wild is introduced so the rescued animal will recognize what to eat on release.

CC had a challenging time adapting to life in the wild. He was first released in March of 2009 and again in February of 2010. A month later in March 2010, CC was rescued again with cold stress symptoms and taken to Lowry Park Zoo for nearly a year of another rehabilitation.

CC’s third, and final, release took place on February 16, 2011 and I was privileged not only to photograph his release, but to document his introduction back into manatee society for the rest of that day.

Dr. Bob Bonde Gently Guides CC The Manatee At His 3rd Release On 2/16/11Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 16, 2011, CC the manatee is released for a third time. Orphaned as a small 55 pound manatee in 2006, CC goes through three releases and is rescued a few times before he is to be considred a successful release back into the wild. Right after CC is released for the third time with a tracking buoy and a brand on his back, Dr. Robert K. Bonde from USGS, United States Geological Survey's, Sirenia Project, helps gently guide him on where to swim. Vertical orientation split image with personnel who helped release him. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. (Carol Grant)

After CC’s release and being coaxed on where to swim CC quickly got the hang of it — especially upon seeing other manatees! His excitement was palpable and other manatees were curious about him too!

CC The Manatee Checks Out Another Manatee Shortly After ReleaseFlorida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatee release photographs from February 16, 2011. CC the manatee is released for a third time. Orphaned as a small 55 pound manatee in 2006, CC goes through three releases and is rescued a few times before he is to be considred a successful release back into the wild. CC is released this third time with a tracking buoy and a brand on his back. He is very curious and excited to socialize with other manatee again on the day of this third release. Horizontal orientation with several manatee and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. (Carol Grant)

CC The Manatee Is Curious About This Group Of ManateesFlorida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatee release photographs from February 16, 2011. CC the manatee is released for a third time. Orphaned as a small 55 pound manatee in 2006, CC goes through three releases and is rescued a few times before he is to be considred a successful release back into the wild. CC is released with a tracking buoy and a brand on his back. He is very curious and excited to socialize with other manatee again on the day of this third release. Horizontal orientation with several manatee and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. (Carol Grant)

One amusing thing — well, amusing for me but maybe not for some other manatees — CC wasn’t clued in on the proper manatee etiquette and proceeded to annoy a number of manatees, especially mothers with calves. All in all, CC’s third release was considered a success and although it was touch and go for some time whether he would make it in the wild, CC did well and his tracking buoy was removed on April 26, 2012.

CC Being Released For The 3rd Time With Members Of: United States Fish and Wildlife Services, United States Geological Survey’s Sirenia Project, Lowry Park Zoo, Sea To Shore Alliance, Etc.Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 16, 2011, CC the manatee is released for a third time. Orphaned as a small 55 pound manatee in 2006, CC goes through three releases and is rescued a few times before he is to be considred a successful release back into the wild. CC is released with a brand and tracking buoy. Right after CC swims out of the stretcher he becomes a little disoriented. Horizontal orientation split image with personnel who helped release him from USFWS, United States Fish and Wildlife Services, USGS, United States Geological Survey, Lowry Park Zoo and Sea to Shore Alliance, etc. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. (Carol Grant)

The day before this past Thanksgiving on November 27, 2013, CC’s body was recovered. Here is a quote from the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership:

11/27/2013 10:00 AM

Sad news to report.  CC was recovered by the southeast FWC field station today in the Ft. Lauderdale area.  He had three fractured vertebrae with bruising and clotting.  He had food throughout his gastrointestinal tract and food was even found in his mouth.  Gives the impression that he went quickly…or at least that is what we want to believe.  It is amazing all that he overcame throughout the years.  And that he made his way to Ft. Lauderdale either the long way (around the state) or through the lock systems from the Caloosahatchee River-Okeechobee-St. Lucie Canal.

via Welcome To Manatee Tracking System | Sea to Shore Alliance.

Although CC the Manatee’s story ended in a sad impact injury, most likely from a speeding boat, think of the adventures he had and the stories he could tell! It’s kind of like Friday the 13th: one can perceive it as a terribly unlucky superstition…, or see the magical luck that is part of each and every day of life we cherish!

Best, Carol Grant

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4 thoughts on “Lucky / Unlucky CC The Manatee”

  2. I was there for the last two releases in 2010 & 2011. We will miss you cc! Thanks for all the wonderful memories. I was a manatee watch volunteer at the time for Florida Fisheries and Wildlife.

    • Shelly, thanks for chiming in on wonderful CC. I wonder if I have you in any of the pics I took at this release? We will always keep CC in our hearts as he never gave up, even with daunting challenges!

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