Semas carries out the rescue of two manatee calves in western Pará
Joint action by Semas with various environmental agencies and non-governmental institutions sent the aquatic mammals for rehabilitation
The Secretary of Environment, Climate and Sustainability of Pará (Semas) carried out, on Thursday (12), the rescue of two manatee calves, originating from the Flona do Tapajós and the municipality of Monte Alegre. The animals were sent to the Instituto Bicho D’água in Castanhal, where they will undergo rehabilitation.
“We went to the Graesp Hangar on another mission to transport manatee calves, in partnership with the Instituto Bicho d'Água, Ibama, IcmBio, and municipal environmental secretariats. This rescue involved one animal from the Flona do Tapajós and another from Monte Alegre. Semas works on negotiations with our partners, choosing the most suitable locations to receive these animals, ensuring they receive all the care and well-being necessary for their rehabilitation and return to nature,” highlights Talita Praxedes, the manager of Aquatic Fauna and Fisheries at Semas.
The manatee calves came from western Pará, totaling 12 rescues in the first half of 2025. “This is a very high number for a species threatened with extinction. It is the work that Bicho d'Água does for the conservation of these animals, a species that is vulnerable to extinction. The rescues have occurred thanks to the cooperation of various institutions, the Instituto Bicho d'água, Ibama, Semas, and Graesp, which allows for air transport, enabling us to carry out a faster and safer transport, which is ideal for the survival and well-being of the calves, and especially the local institutions,” informs Renata Emin, President of the Instituto Bicho D'água.
“The calf coming from Monte Alegre had an injury to its left eye caused by a splinter. The suspicion is that it suffered an act of cruelty by human action; fortunately, there was no damage to the eyeball, but a more detailed assessment will be conducted at the Instituto Bicho d’água,” details Talita Praxedes from Semas.
The operation was an action by Semas, through the Fauna and Fisheries Inspection Management (GEFAU) and the Fauna, Flora, Aquaculture and Fisheries Management (GEFAP), in partnership with ICMBio (Santarém Unit), Instituto Nhamundá, Instituto Bicho D’água, State Secretariat of Public Security and Social Defense through the Public Security Air Group (GRAESP), CETRAS/UFRA, and Ibama.
Text by Vinicius Silva / Ascom Semas
