A $5,000 bounty has been offered for any information leading to the conviction of whoever wrote the word ‘Trump' on the back of a protected manatee. Also read 5 Manatees Released From Jacksonville Zoo
The US Fish and Wildlife Service launched an investigation after the mammal was spotted on Sunday in Florida's Homosassa River. Thankfully, the word ‘Trump' appears to have been scraped into algae growing on its skin and the animal has not been injured, but that has not stopped an – understandable – public outcry.
The Center for Biological Diversity is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.
Center director Jaclyn Lopez said in a statement: “It's heartbreaking that this manatee was subjected to this vile, criminal act. It's clear that whoever harmed this defenceless, gentle giant is capable of doing grave violence and needs to be apprehended immediately.”
Manatees are protected under US law and anyone found guilty of harassing them faces up to a year in prison and a $50,000 fine.
