Manatee finds new home in Puerto Rico

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Holt
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AFNS) --  A five-year-old manatee now known as Guacara has arrived in Puerto Rico after a flight down from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

The manatee was escorted by Dr. Antonio A. Mignucci, director of the Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center; Dr. David Murphy, South Florida Museum; and a Parker Museum consulting veterinarian and six biologists.

Scheduled to be euthanized Dec. 10, Guacara was transferred from the South Florida Museum to Puerto Rico on a Puerto Rico Air National Guard C-130 Hercules at no additional cost to the Department of Defense. The Air Guard aircraft already was at MacDill AFB conducting a training mission with U.S. Special Operations Command, giving Air Force officials a great opportunity to help a great cause.

During the four-hour flight to San Juan, Guacara was spoiled with rubs and pats from the crew members.

"It was such a great experience having him on the flight with us," said Senior Master Sgt. Jose Vidal. "It was a once in a lifetime experience and I'm honored we were able to be a part of it."

When the flight landed, Guacara was greeted by members of the 156th Airlift Wing including Col. Carlos A. Quinones, the 156th AW commander. Also in attendance during Guacara's welcome home party was Maj. Gen. Antonio J. Vicens, the adjutant general of Puerto Rico.

"The Puerto Rico National Guard is committed to preserve nature and wildlife through its many environmental programs," General Vicens said. "Helping to save this manatee is an example of our dedication to the preservation of our ecosystem."

General Vicens was not the only servicemember pleased to bring Guacara home safely.

"Flying Guacara on our aircraft was incredible," said Capt. Cesar Lozada, a 198th Airlift Squadron aircraft commander. "We have put a lot of things on this aircraft, but the manatee was a first for me."

After his arrival to San Juan, Guacara was transported to the Puerto Rico Zoo where he was placed in his new home. Guacara will serve as a surrogate to orphaned manatees in rehabilitation.