The National Aquarium program for the welfare of manatees in the Dominican Republic last year released a rescued manatee named Remi to a protected cove in southeastern Bayahibe. Now, the aquarium specialists say that three others – Juanita, Pepe and Lupita — that had been rescued and protected at the National Aquarium will also be set free at the same site. For months, the marine biology specialists have been helping the manatees adapt to an eventual return to their natural sea habitat.
The Ministry of Environment says that while the sea mammals will be relocated to the Bayahibe tourist area, it is important that people keep distance from the manatees, do not touch these and only enjoy their presence from afar.
Juanita arrived to the National Aquarium in 2012 from Las Terrenas after being attacked by a person who caused her more than 10 wounds. Pepe arrived also in 2012 after being injured by a boat in Haina. Lupita was the last to arrive. She was injured and rescued at the Luperón Bay in Puerto Plata and sent to recover at the National Aquarium in 2018.
These three mammals are of the Antillean species (trichechus manatus). While they have been in the National Aquarium for several years, the technicians understand that they are ready to return to their natural habitat. The species is declared in critical danger of extinction and is on the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Environment Minister Orlando Jorge Mera said that adaptation project is named “Operation Soon at Home.” He said it is the first time in the country’s history that three marine mammals are returned to the sea to preserve the species after being rehabilitated in the National Aquarium.
The Ministry of Environment says that the manatees’ main dangers are man-made — blows by passing boats, capture by ignorant fishermen and pollution of their habitats.
Jorge Mera said the program has been successful thanks to the commitment of the Vice-Ministry of Coastal and Marine Resources, led by José Ramón Reyes. Ministry of Environment technicians have worked closely with staff at the National Aquarium and the Dominican Foundation for Marine Studies (Fundemar).
In their new habitat, Juanita, Pepe and Lupita will be surrounded by a fence placed in the sea with 600 square meters of surface and around three meters deep. Marine specialists will continue to monitor these 24/7 to ensure they can gradually learn to take care of themselves after so many years of human contact and being cared for and fed at the National Aquarium.
Jorge Mera expressed thanks to the financial collaboration of the Banco de Reservas, Fundación Propagás, Santroni, Grupo Inicia, Sur Futuro, Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, AM Resorts, Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club, Mercasid, Fundación Brugal, Central Romana, Dolphin Explorer, Scuba Caribe and Dressel Divers.
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Ministry of Environment
El Dia
Diario Libre
11 December 2020