Manatee finds new home

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Holt
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO --  A five-year-old manatee now known as Guacara was escorted by Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci, Director Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center, Dr. David Murphy, South Florida Museum and Parker Museum consulting veterinarian, and six biologists.

Scheduled to be euthanized Dec. 10, Guacara was transferred from the South Florida Museum to Puerto Rico on a Puerto Rico Air National Guard C-130 at no additional cost to the Department of Defense. The Puerto Rico ANG was already at MacDill Air Force Base conducting a training mission with U.S. Special Operations Command, giving the Air Force a great opportunity to help a great cause.

During the four-hour flight to San Juan, Guacara was spoiled with rubs and pats from the crew members.

"It was such a great experience having him on the flight with us," said Senior Master Sgt. Jose Vidal. "It was a once in a lifetime experience and I'm honored we were able to be a part of it."

When the flight landed, Guacara was greeted by members of the 156th Airlift Wing including Col. Carlos A. Quinones, 156th Airlift Wing commander, and family. Also in attendance during Guacara's welcome home party was Maj. Gen. Antonio J. Vicens, Adjutant General of Puerto Rico.

"The Puerto Rico National Guard is committed to preserve nature and wildlife through its many environmental programs," said General Vicens. "Helping to save this manatee is an example of our dedication to the preservation of our ecosystem."

General Vicens was not the only service member pleased to bring Guacara home safely.

"Flying Guacara on our aircraft was incredible," said Capt. Cesar Lozada, 198th Airlift Squadron aircraft commander. "We have put a lot of things on this aircraft, but the manatee was a first for me."

After his arrival to San Juan, Guacara was transported to the Puerto Rico Zoo where he was placed in his new home. Guacara will serve as a surrogate to orphaned manatees in rehabilitation.