Vector, Flicker, and Zelda, Oh My!

March 30, 2026 | March 2026,

Zelda and her calf were photographed in Key West in January.

Coastal Adoption Update

By Cora Berchem, Director of Multimedia and Manatee Research Associate

Illusion was spotted by a citizen in Vero Beach, who reported the sighting to FWC.

The winter months, with their multiple cold fronts, finally brought in quite a few adoptee sightings! Starting on Florida’s west coast, Flicker was seen on November 12 and January 16 by our partners from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at the Tampa Electric Company (TECO) Apollo Beach power plant. Vector also made several appearances at TECO, and our partners reported sightings on New Year’s Eve, January 2, and January 17. Elsie, Ginger, and Jemp continue to remain elusive.

On the east coast of Florida, our traveling adoptee Millie appeared at Blue Spring in mid-November. Then, to our surprise, FWC researchers reported seeing her in a canal in Fort Lauderdale at the end of January. Illusion was spotted by a citizen in Vero Beach on January 23. Only Chessie has not been seen at the time of this writing. However, our partners are still going through many hours of photo records to match individuals, so there are still chances for a sighting to come in. Last but not least, Zelda was spotted in Key West in early January. She seems to still have her calf, who is now big enough to be weaned at any time.

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