Fate of manatee stuck in NJ uncertain
October 18, 2009 9:56 AM
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The fate of a Florida manatee that has
wandered into New Jersey waters remained unclear Saturday night.
The wayward male - known as Ilya - has been stuck near a Linden
oil refinery, and officials say plunging temperatures and a lack of
food were endangering his life. And while the gentle sea cow
appears to be in good health, it had been huddling near an outfall
pipe at an oil refinery in Linden - the only place it could find
warm water.
Officials with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in New Jersey
says Ilya was last seen Friday afternoon.
They had hoped to make a rescue attempt that day, but continuing
bad weather along the Jersey Shore has stymied their efforts.
