MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. (WFLA) — An orphaned calf was rescued this week by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Brevard Zoo.

The manatee was rescued from Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and has been transported to SeaWorld for care.

Credit: FWC

A manatee calf could stay with its mother for up to two years.

Manatees are seen gathered together at winter warm-water sites, but they do not need to travel together. Except for cow/calf pairs or small mating herds, according to FWC.

According to FWC, November is Manatee Awareness Month as they start their seasonal travels to warmer waters.

“As fall temperatures drop, manatees start making their way to Florida Springs, power plant discharge areas, and other warm-water sites to overwinter until temperatures rise again in the spring,” said Michelle Pasawicz, FWC Manatee Management Program Coordinator.

FWC asks the community to report a sick, injured, dead, or tagged manatee by calling FWC’s Wildlife Alert number at 1-888-404-3922, and press 7 to speak with an operator.