Animal Guide

Florida Manatee

11 destinations · 3 states

Native Range: Coastal waters, rivers, and springs of Florida and the southeastern United States

Florida manatees have a wonderfully unhurried way of moving, but watching one closely reveals plenty of activity. A manatee may glide past the viewing area, pause to nibble aquatic plants, or rise slowly toward the surface for a breath. Look at the front flippers during feeding. They help the animal steer, handle vegetation, and explore objects around it. The broad, rounded tail provides the main push through the water, while the whiskers around the muzzle help it sense its surroundings. At an aquarium or wildlife destination, manatees often spend time resting near the bottom before making a slow circuit of the habitat. Their wrinkled faces and gentle-looking eyes become especially noticeable at close range. Florida manatees live in warm coastal waters, rivers, springs, and other freshwater habitats across Florida and the southeastern United States. On cooler days, they may gather in warm-water areas, creating a memorable scene of several large bodies drifting together.

Florida Manatee

Where to see Florida Manatee

11 destinations across 3 states

11 destinations

Brevard Zoo

Melbourne, FL

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, OH

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater, FL

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Powell, OH

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, GA

Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Jacksonville, FL

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Sarasota, FL

SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando, FL

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Lake Buena Vista, FL

Zoo Miami

Miami, FL

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Tampa, FL

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