Myrtle Beach Manatee Sanctuary Unveils New Rescue Center

Myrtle Beach Manatee Sanctuary Unveils State-of-the-Art Rescue CenterMyrtle Beach Manatee Sanctuary Unveils State-of-the-Art Rescue Center Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – The Myrtle Beach Manatee Sanctuary has unveiled its new state-of-the-art rescue center, dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing injured or distressed manatees back into the wild. The $10 million facility, located at 4811 Highway 17 South, features advanced medical equipment, specialized care pools, and an expansive recovery area. It replaces the sanctuary’s former facility, which had limited capacity and outdated equipment. “This new center is a testament to the sanctuary’s unwavering commitment to saving the lives of manatees in our area,” said Lisa deYampert, Executive Director of the Myrtle Beach Manatee Sanctuary. “It will allow us to provide the highest level of care to these gentle creatures, ultimately contributing to their conservation and well-being.” The center boasts six specialized care pools of varying sizes, each designed to accommodate different stages of rehabilitation. One pool features an underwater treadmill for rehabilitating manatees with mobility impairments. There are also two dedicated holding pools for manatees in critical condition. A fully equipped medical suite allows veterinarians to perform diagnostics and surgeries on-site. The center also has a quarantine area to prevent the spread of disease. “The medical capabilities of this new facility are unparalleled,” said Dr. Ron Nave, Veterinary Director of the Myrtle Beach Manatee Sanctuary. “We can now perform complex surgeries and administer advanced treatments that would not have been possible before.” The expansive recovery area provides ample space for manatees to socialize, forage, and regain their strength before release. It includes a heated pool, floating platforms, and natural vegetation. The sanctuary’s dedicated staff of veterinarians, biologists, and volunteers will operate the rescue center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will monitor the manatees’ progress, administer treatments, and prepare them for release. “This new center is a sanctuary for manatees in need,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “It represents our state’s commitment to protecting these amazing creatures and ensuring their survival for future generations.” The public is invited to tour the new rescue center during designated visitation hours. Visitors can learn about the sanctuary’s mission, meet the staff and volunteers, and witness the incredible work being done to save manatees.