UF veterinarian receives federal conservation award for manatee work

A University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine veterinarian has received the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Regional Director’s Conservation award for his years of service in the area of manatee rescue and rehabilitation.

Mike Walsh, D.V.M., is associate director of UF’s Aquatic Animal Health program. He served as head veterinarian for Sea World of Florida for many years prior to being hired by UF in 2007.

“This award acknowledges Mike’s commitment and many years of participation in the Manatee, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release program, as well as his significant contribution to manatee medicine and conservation,” said Nicole Adimey, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Walsh’s 22 years in the discipline of aquatic animal health have been marked by innovation and improvement in the care of manatees, pinnipeds, penguins, dolphins, whales, sea turtles and sharks as well as beached whales and dolphins.

Walsh also has contributed to the internationalization of Florida’s aquatic animal medicine program with previous training for and assistance to programs in Taiwan, Canada, Holland, Argentina, and South America. New associations with Clearwater Marine Science Center and Georgia Aquarium will offer clinical residents even more hands on exposure to state-of-the-art marine animal medicine.