LAKE GEORGE -- Hurricane, the wayward manatee that lost his way several times in Central Florida lakes and rivers, has lost his way again.
This time he was at Silver Glenn Springs near the western edge of Lake George suffering from stress, possibly cold.
Hurricane's rescue Thursday by three groups in Ocala National Forest is an unusual occurrence, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
"It is very unusual for a manatee to be found in Silver Glen Springs and this one is stressed in some way," said Joy Hill of the FWC. "We transported it to Miami Seaquarium where it will undergo diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation if needed."
Hurricane was born at the Miami Seaquarium in 1983 and weighed in at a mere 75 lbs. When he was first released in February 2008 at Blue Spring State Park, he topped the scales at 1,585 pounds including a radio transmitter and tag.
He's been relocated by officials twice since his first release. Wildlife officials came to his rescue in May 2008 when divers freed him from a tangle of fishing line, floats and a leopard print lace bra.
Hurricane had been spotted as far south as the Lake Monroe Conservation Area near Sanford, in the Wekiva and as far north as Lake Woodruff. He's also been spotted cavorting and flirting with female manatees.
You can check Hurricane's wherabouts here:
http://www.wildtracks.org