A Curious Sight in the Water
Residents traveling by boat along the Coahoeri River in the Brazilian Amazon were surprised this week to spot what appeared to be a floating stick. Upon closer inspection, however, they realized it wasn’t a log at all — it was a baby Amazonian manatee, separated from his mother and struggling to survive.
“It’s alive! I could see his snout,” one of the passengers shouted, as captured in a video shared by TikTok user @carlos_axell.
A Timely Rescue
The boaters carefully lifted the manatee onto their boat and splashed him with water to help him regain strength. By the time they reached shore, the tiny creature was active, wiggling and squirming in their arms — a sign that the rescue had made a difference.
“They handed him over to the municipal environmental department, which will take care of him until he is ready to be released again,” @carlos_axell shared.
:
Manatee Conservation in Brazil
Amazonian manatees are a protected species in Brazil, but human activity poses ongoing threats. Conservation centers in Brazil and Peru currently rehab over 170 manatees, aiming to release them back into the wild. Nearly 100 previously rescued manatees have successfully returned to their natural habitats.
With proper care, this rescued baby manatee could join those thriving in the Amazon, continuing the efforts to protect this gentle species.
:
A Happy Ending
Thanks to the quick action of the boaters, a life that might have been lost was saved. The rescue highlights the importance of vigilance and care for wildlife — even when it appears to be just a “log” floating in the water.
