International Manatee Day!

Happy International Manatee Day! Today, we come together to celebrate and raise awareness about these gentle giants, also known as sea cows, who are native to Florida and other coastal regions. Manatees are fascinating creatures that can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and live as long as 60 years, surviving solely on seagrass.

Manatees face numerous threats, including pollution, global warming, and hunting, leading to their endangered status. 

Let’s also give a big thank you to @ZooTampa for all they do to care for the manatees that arrive at their Critical Care Hospital.

The ZooTampa's Manatee Critical Care Center is a true champion in caring for distressed manatees. This non-profit acute care facility has treated over 400 manatees, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, and release. The center's dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure each manatee receives the best possible care, from diagnostic labs and bloodwork to individualized fluid therapy.

Here is a fantastic example of the care they provide to manatees in need: https://zootampa.org/zootampa-providing-expert-care-to-new-manatee-arrivals-romeo-and-juliet/ 

Let's all do our part to protect and preserve these incredible animals. 

To support the Manatee’s conservation, you can:

1. Respect Their Habitat: Be mindful of manatees when you're out in shallow coastal waters and rivers.
2. Spread Awareness: Share information about manatees and their conservation efforts on social media using the hashtag #ManateeAppreciationDay.
3. Donate: Consider donating to manatee care facilities or conservation organizations to support their work.
4. Participate in Events: Join virtual events and activities offered by organizations like Save the Manatee Club.
5. Visit Sanctuaries: If you live near a manatee sanctuary or rehabilitation center, visit to learn more about these amazing creatures.

Share with us! How are you going to celebrate International Manatee Day?