The disastrous oil spill caused by the recent explosion of the drilling rig
off the coast of Louisiana is currently drifting toward the Gulf Coast
states. If efforts to stop its progress fail, the consequences could be
catastrophic for birds, fish, sea turtles, manatees, and other wildlife
found in these areas. This is especially troubling since it comes on the
heels of the worst manatee winter die-off ever experienced, with over 500
total manatees dead already this year.
Manatees are widely distributed at this time of the year and can be found
along the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. In
addition, manatees are herbivores, feeding on a large variety of marine and
freshwater vegetation. Oil can damage seagrass beds and other vegetation
that manatees eat. In addition, exposure to oil could potentially cause
significant injury or death to manatees and other marine
organisms.
What You Can Do:
- Report affected wildlife by calling
toll free 1-866-557-1401. Individuals are urged not to
attempt to help injured or oiled animals. Get more information on this topic (pdf).
- Volunteer
to help by calling toll free
1-866-448-5816.
- Sign a petition to protect Florida's
beaches from needless and harmful oil drilling.
- Give to our Emergency Rescue Fund to help
sick and injured manatees.
- Forward
this email to your family and friends.
Thank you
for taking the time to help endangered manatees and other wildife that
may be affected by this devastating oil spill.
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