Florida Manatee Found With ‘Trump’ Etched Into Body, Investigation Launched
Video showing the president's name carved into the manatee's back has shocked social media, and now wildlife authorities are seeking information regarding anyone involved in the attack.
Credit: USFWS
US wildlife officials have launched an investigation after a manatee was found with the word ‘TRUMP’ carved into their back.
The mammal was found last week in Florida’s Homosassa River.
The incident has been widely shared on social media, leading to outrage from across the internet. Guardians of the Galaxy actor Dave Baustista tweeted an offer of a $20,000 reward for any information on the incident, while The Center for Biological Diversity announced it is offering a $5,000 reward.
Wildlife officials told the press that the animal does not appear to be seriously injured, as the word seems to have been scraped into the algae growing on the animal’s back.
“Manatees aren’t billboards, and people shouldn’t be messing with these sensitive and imperiled animals for any reason,” said Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director at the Center. “It’s a crime to interfere with these creatures, which are protected under multiple federal laws.”
Harassment of a manatee is a federal criminal offense punishable by a $50,000 fine and up to one year in prison, says the Center.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation hotline at (888) 404-3922.
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