Earth Day is here, and while there are tons of ways to celebrate our beautiful planet, I want to take a moment to talk about one of Florida’s most magical creatures—manatees. (Who do I need to petition to get a manatee emoji?)

If you’ve known me for more than five minutes, you know I’m obsessed with these gentle giants. It all started when I was a kid, standing wide-eyed in front of SeaWorld’s manatee rescue exhibit, completely mesmerized. (Yup, that was me—refusing to leave while my family tried to drag me toward the dolphins. Sorry, Flipper, I’ve made my choice.) Fast forward to today, and the only thing that’s changed is that I spend more time at Epcot than SeaWorld. Thankfully, Disney has manatees too, so I'm still able to stand in front of them like a starstruck fan.

Now—you probably don’t need to take it quite as far as I have. My collection of manatee water tumblers? Totally out of hand. But can you blame me? Manatees are amazing.

Why Manatees Are Basically the Best Creatures on the Planet (And Yes, I Will Die on This Hill)

Manatees are basically the most chill creatures on the planet. They spend their entire lives floating around, snacking on seagrass (a lifestyle I deeply respect), and just minding their own business. And despite growing up to 13 feet long and weighing anywhere from 1,000 to 3,500 pounds, they have zero natural predators. See? EVERYONE loves manatees.

Want some manatee facts to impress your friends? Here you go:

They can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes.
Their closest relative is the elephant. Check out the nails on their flippers.
They can live up to 60 years, meaning some of them are older than the internet.
And my personal favorite? They were mistaken for mermaids. Don’t ask me how. But if I had to guess, I’d blame a mix of poor eyesight and too much rum.

I could go on and on, but the point is: Manatees are incredible, and they need our help.

How You Can Help Manatees

1. Support Manatee Rescue & Rehab Centers

Around 100 manatees are rescued in Florida every year due to injuries or starvation 🥹 There are several organizations who work tirelessly to rehabilitate them. Visiting or donating to these places supports their efforts. Here are some worthwhile organizations:

2. Keep the Water Clean

Most people don’t realize that what they plant in their yards affects the water. Manatees rely on seagrass for food, but pollution from lawn fertilizers can destroy their habitats. A easy way to help? Use eco-friendly yard products (or better yet, plant native Florida greenery that doesn’t need extra chemicals).

3. Slow Down on the Water

If you're out boating, be on the lookout for manatee zones and obey speed limits. These guys can't exactly sprint out of the way, and boat strikes are one of the biggest dangers they face. A little caution (and some polarized sunglasses) goes a long way.

4. Give Them Space

Kayaking or paddleboarding? Manatees are curious creatures, and sometimes they swim by and say hi. I know it's super tempting to reach out and touch them but please don't. Manatees can become accustomed to people and seek out boats. Oh and did I mention that it's illegal?

5. Adopt or Track a Manatee

You can symbolically adopt a manatee through Save the Manatee Club or you can be like me. This past Christmas my Aunt May gave me the best manatee-related gift ever! My very own manatee! He's currently living in my swimming pool, just kidding. She actually gave me a Fahlo manatee tracking bracelet. O'Dare has been cruising along Florida's east coast. Trust me, watching your manatee's journey makes conservation way more fun.

Ready to Fall in Love with Manatees?

If you’re not obsessed with manatees (yet), that’s about to change. These gentle giants are like the unofficial mascots of Florida, and just trying to live their best lives. Watching them float effortlessly through the water is pure magic, and trust me, once you see one in person, you’ll get why I’m this passionate. Lucky for you, Florida is one of the best places to spot them, whether in the wild or at rescue centers where they’re getting the care they need. So check out some of the best spots to see these incredible creatures up close!

Manatee Viewing Center - Apollo Beach, FL (Seasonal, but free!)
Zoo Tampa - Tampa, FL (Manatee Critical Care BTS Tour)
Blue Spring State Park - Orange City, FL (Best place to view wild manatees in the winter)
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - Homosassa, FL

Don't live in Florida? No worries! You can watch live-streamed footage of manatees in their natural Habitat. Check out Save the Manatee Club's webcams here. Warning: It's highly addictive!

Why Manatees Are So Amazing

Manatees are more than just adorable sea cows—they’re an essential part of Florida’s ecosystem. By making small changes and supporting conservation efforts, we can make sure these gentle giants stick around for generations to come. So whether you visit a rescue center, track your own manatee, or just pick up that extra piece of trash at the beach, every little bit helps. And if you ever need a reminder why they’re worth saving—just picture a mama manatee floating by with the most adorable little calf.

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Manatees: Florida’s Floating Treasure & How You Can Help