Florida manatee dies after being struck by boat, losing flipper

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An injured manatee that had been hit by a boat several time has died.

The 1-ton female manatee was rescued from Stevenson Creek in Clearwater after she had been struck several times by a boater, according to ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

The manatee suffered grave injuries, including losing her left pectoral flipper.

Veterinarians at the Zoo's Manatee Critical Care Center worked to keep her alive, but she succumbed to her injuries. 

"Unfortunately, the manatee’s injuries were too severe. The manatee passed away at the hospital," ZooTampa said in a statement.

"The Zoo is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of this iconic Florida species and remains steadfast in its mission to the conservation of manatees through critical care and education to prevent human- caused threats to manatees. We encourage everyone to be mindful of potential consequences of propeller strikes on wildlife while boating."

According to the Defenders of Wildlife, over the past five years alone, more than 80 manatees have died from watercraft-related incidents each year.