Wildlife Nation Exclusive Clip: Endangered Underwater Join host Jeff Corwin as he connects with some of the most threatened and endangered animals that live underwater. First, Jeff helps conservationists save one of Florida’s most iconic species: the
Join host Jeff Corwin as he connects with some of the most threatened and endangered animals that live underwater. First, Jeff helps conservationists save one of Florida’s most iconic species: the gentle manatee. Later, Jeff comes face to face with a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle - the most endangered sea turtle species on Earth. Finally, Jeff learns about endangered coral reefs and how biologists are racing to save them before it's too late.
Video Transcript:
Jeff Corwin:
Our quest to connect with imperiled aquatic creatures begins on the pristine waters of the Silver River.
Jeff Corwin:
Just look how clean the water is here. We can see, in some cases, right to the bottom 20 plus
feet deep. We can see the various fish species milling about, big river turtles and large mouth bass,
all of them sharing this vital habitat.
Jeff Corwin:
I'm here with Liz Neville from Defenders of Wildlife. Their mission is to help protect Florida's wetland wilderness.
Jeff Corwin:
This is old wild Florida, isn't it?
Liz Neville:
It is, Jeff. This to me is the reason to come to Florida. It's beautiful. The peace that I feel from being out here is unlike anything else.
Jeff Corwin:
The Silver River flows into the mighty Ocklawaha River at the heart of the great Florida Riverway. This vast 217 mile system of rivers and springs flows north from central Florida to the Atlantic Ocean, and it's habitat for countless species, including manatees.
Jeff Corwin:
Manatees are typically 10 feet long and weighing upwards to a thousand pounds plus. They're curious, slow moving and spend much of their day grazing on sea grass. The greatest long term threat to manatee survival is the loss of warm water habitat. So restoring areas of natural warm water habitat will ensure that manatees will thrive into the future.
Jeff Corwin:
The beauty about Silver River is that it has a relatively constant temperature. So when we get those very dangerous cold snaps, which happen, here in Florida in winter, manatees can come here and survive.
Jeff Corwin:
Unfortunately, many manatees are cut off from places like Silver River due to manmade barriers. The Kirkpatrick Dam is a good example. It was built in the 1960s and has obstructed
the large scale migration of manatees ever since.
Jeff Corwin:
Restoring a free flowing Ocklawaha River will not only give manatees better access to Silver River and Silver Springs, but will also provide them with essential warm water winter habitat in many of Ocklawaha's 20 fresh water springs, which are currently not accessible due to high water levels from the dam.
Jeff Corwin:
The reality is there are decisions that happened decades ago that are impacting the
environmental integrity of Florida today.
Liz Neville:
Jeff, it's really about coexistence at the end of the day. So much of the appeal of living in Florida is the beautiful natural environment and the wildlife that we have, so the key to continuing the survival of species and also ensuring a good human quality of life is to work with nature and not against her.
Jeff Corwin:
The challenges that face Florida's coastline, wetlands, and waterways are a microcosm for our entire planet. Oceans provide us with an abundance of food and oxygen. They're great engines that regulate our climate and remove greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Wetlands act as giant filters that store and clean water. They're also a natural barrier that protect us from winds and tidal forces and provide incredible beauty, and of course, habitat for wildlife. But the watery worlds of our planet are under constant threat and many species, like Florida's iconic manatees, are struggling to survive.
Jeff Corwin: In recent years, Florida waterways have seen a dramatic increase in harmful algae blooms. These algae blooms are killing other native vegetation that provide food to manatees and other species. Tragically today, more manatees are dying than any other time in Florida's recorded history. Conservationists are racing to save this keystone species before it's too late.
Jeff Corwin:
To help respond to the recent increase in manatee disease and mortalities, the US Fish
and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are coordinating a statewide manatee rescue and rehabilitation partnership. One of these partner is the SeaWorld manatee rescue team in Orlando. They recently rehabilitated their 19th manatee this
year, a sick and emaciated female named Avana.
Jeff Corwin:
Over the last four months, Avana has been recovering nicely. This morning she was transferred to a temporary pool to prepare her for her incredible release back into the wild.
Jeff Corwin:
Four months ago, she was on death's door. She was emaciated, couldn't even swim. A village came together and rescued her. Today, she goes back to the wild where she belongs...
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