Manatee catches Air Force flight to Puerto Rico

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bryan Gatewood
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force partnered with the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the South Florida Museum to transport an 840 pound male West Indian manatee, six biologists and two veterinarians, from here to San Juan, Puerto Rico today.

The Fish and Wildlife Service requested the Puerto Rico Air National Guard's 156th Airlift Wing, assistance in the transportation of the manatee. The Puerto Rico ANG C-130 was already at MacDill supporting maneuvers for U.S. Special Operations Command, therefore the Air Force seized an opportune moment to provide support for this effort at no additional costs.

According to Dr. David Murphy, consulting veterinarian from the South Florida Museum, the sea mammal, or "UPC" as he is known, is healthy, but requires special accommodations (shallow containment area) due to injuries sustained from a boat strike.

Biologist Dr. Antonio Mignucci-Giannoni, added that the boat strike damaged UPC's diaphragm, causing the animal to be negatively buoyant meaning he sinks if not in a shallow containment area.

UPC received his name because the injuries made by the boat strike look like a barcode.

The Caribbean Stranding Network in Puerto Rico is interested in UPC as part of their efforts toward manatee conservation. The West Indian manatee is currently listed under the Endangered Species Act. UPC will serve as a surrogate parent to orphaned manatees in rehabilitation. UPC will soon have a new life at the Puerto Rico Zoo and a new name, Guacara.