Last Friday (11), the Brazilian Air Force, through the Alcântara Launch Center (CLA) carried out the transport of a baby manatee from São Luís (MA) to Natal (RN). The animal, which according to FAB is endangered, was rescued in Guarapiranga, in the municipality of São José de Ribamar (MA), on April 25th.
The FAB used a C-98A Caravan aircraft to transport the animal on a mission. The Director of the CLA, Colonel Aviator Marcello Corrêa de Souza, emphasized the importance of in air transfers. “We contribute to the preservation of the life of the animal, whose species is endangered. We pay attention to the concern of the entire team of professionals involved and the crew, to ensure the well-being of the animal during transport.”
The baby manatee was in the care of biologist Laura Moreira de Andrade Reis and veterinarian Fernanda Loffler Niemeyer Attademo, both from ICMBio/MA, who provided the minimum conditions necessary for it to be fit for transport.
Veterinarian Fernanda accompanied the animal to the city of Natal, ensuring that safety protocols for the mammal's health were preserved until the final destination. “A was adapted on the aircraft to receive the baby manatee, allowing it to receive hydration during the transfer”He explained.
Around 11:58 am (Brasília time), the aircraft landed at the Natal Air Force Base, where it was welcomed by the local ICMBio team. The animal will be stabilized for 24 hours at the Costa Branca Cetacean Project base at the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB/UERN).
After this procedure, the manatee will be transported by land to Itamaracá Island (PE), to be rehabilitated by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio/CMA). Later, the baby will the Brazilian Marine Manatee Release Program, returning to nature and contributing to the conservation of the country.
In May, the FAB carried out the transport a harpy eagle and six monkeys of three different species, using a C-130M Hércules aircraft in the operation.
Via Brazilian Air Force
