AMAZONAS, BRAZIL — A manatee calf was rescued by motocross riders after becoming trapped in a small puddle of water in an area of lakes that has almost completely dried up due to drought, near Parintins, in the interior of Amazonas state.

The animal was found weakened on Monday (5) during a trail ride in an area known as “Poção.” According to the riders, the calf was in a muddy puddle and showed signs of weakness.

After the rescue, the group traveled more than five kilometers before finding a mobile phone signal to call for help. A businessman assisted in transporting the animal, improvising a structure with a tarp and water in the back of a vehicle.

The manatee is under the care of the Parintins Municipal Department of Sustainable Development and Environment, in a swimming pool provided by a local resident. The National Institute of Amazonian Research (Inpa) is monitoring the case.

About 1 meter long and weighing an estimated 10 to 15 kilograms, the calf is underweight for its age. It is expected to remain in rehabilitation in Parintins until it is fit to be transferred to the species’ nursery in Manaus.

Residents who took part in the rescue have begun closely following the animal’s recovery. The calf was named Cross, in reference to motocross.

Amazon Agency