The Tireless Work Continues to Save Florida’s Unofficial State Mascot

Manatees might just be Florida’s unofficial mascot — the lumbering, lovable sea cows are some of the state’s most iconic residents. But these gentle giants face an uphill battle for survival, contending with habitat loss, boat strikes, and changing water temperatures. 

Fortunately, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is working tirelessly to ensure these marine mammals have a fighting chance.

A Cozy Spot for Sea Cows

From November 15 through March 31 each year, Florida’s Crystal River becomes a winter haven for manatees seeking warmth in the region’s natural springs. To protect them, the refuge enforces seven designated manatee sanctuaries within and around the 600-acre Kings Bay. These areas are strictly off-limits to waterborne activities during the cold months, ensuring that manatees can rest and stay warm without disturbance.

But the efforts don’t stop there. Federal Wildlife Officers also closely monitor boaters, enforcing idle and slow-speed zones to prevent collisions with these slow-moving creatures. And when summer rolls around, no-anchorage areas remain in effect to keep crucial manatee habitats intact.

According to Carli Segelson, Public Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “Temporary no-entry areas at House and Jurassic Springs at the northern end of the Bay and at Three Sisters Springs provide additional space for manatees to shelter free from harm or harassment when Gulf water temperatures drop below 17°C.”

Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation

Sometimes, despite the best efforts of conservationists, individual manatees still find themselves in trouble. That’s where the rescue and rehabilitation teams step in. 

Take, for example, the case of Cobble — a young manatee found alone in Crystal River in February 2024. Small, thin, and sporting a rough, cobblestone-textured skin, Cobble’s chances of survival in the wild were slim. The decision was made to rescue him, and he began his recovery journey at SeaWorld before being transferred to a partner facility in Ohio.

“The team opted to move forward with a rescue since he was too small to likely make it on his own,” says Carli. “When he meets weight and benchmarks for release, Cobble will be flown back to Florida and will likely be returned to the wild at his rescue location. His story will involve many manatee conservation partners from Florida to Ohio and a couple of airplane rides on his journey back to the wild.”

Overcoming Obstacles: The Challenges of Manatee Care

Rehabilitating manatees is no small feat. With threats ranging from habitat destruction to red tide (a harmful algae bloom that produces toxins in the water), manatee rescue centers are often at capacity. Only a handful of critical care facilities are equipped to handle injured or orphaned manatees, making space a constant concern.

“Because Florida manatees face so many threats, there are frequently manatees in need of critical care,” Carli explains. “With only a few manatee critical care facilities, the Service is continually working with our partners to assess the manatees in professional care to try to keep critical care space available for other manatees in need of care and treatment.”

One thing they try to avoid, however, is making these wild animals too comfortable around humans. Unlike the affectionate bonds seen in some animal rescues, manatee rehabilitation focuses on keeping human interaction to a minimum. “The goal of the manatee rescue and rehabilitation program is largely dedicated to returning manatees to the wild population where they can make a difference to help with species’ recovery,” Carli shares.

The Magic of Manatees + Misconceptions

Education plays a huge role in conservation, and Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is committed to spreading the word. Visitors can explore interactive displays at the refuge’s education center, where they’ll learn about manatees and the delicate spring ecosystems they rely on. For those who prefer a more immersive experience, ranger-led interpretive programs at Three Sisters Springs offer firsthand insights into the lives of these fascinating creatures.

One of the biggest surprises for many visitors? Manatees are closely related to elephants. “Manatees’ closest living relatives are elephants,” Carli tells us. “Both animals have thick, gray skin and sparse hair over their entire bodies. Manatee flippers have fingernail-like tips, like toenails on elephants’ feet. A manatee’s prehensile lips grasp and feed like an elephant’s trunk. Baby manatees and elephants nurse from mammary glands located behind their mothers’ forearms or flippers.”

Another common misconception is that manatees can tolerate any water temperature. In reality, these warm-blooded mammals cannot survive for long in water below 68°F (20°C). “When the water temperatures start lowering, manatees depend on spring water that stays 72 to 74 degrees year-round to keep warm during winter,” Carli explains. “Manatees can suffer from cold stress, like hypothermia in humans, and can even die if they cannot find warm water.”

How You Can Help

Even if you don’t live in Florida, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers a few simple yet impactful ways you can help protect manatees:

1. Boat Responsibly: If you’re boating in manatee habitats, follow speed zones, use polarized sunglasses to spot manatees in the water, and avoid sanctuary areas during the winter months.
2. Properly Dispose of Fishing Gear: Lost or discarded fishing lines and hooks can entangle and seriously injure manatees.
3. Respect the Rules: Whether you’re on a guided tour or swimming independently, always follow regulations for interacting with manatees. Passive observation is key — no chasing, poking, or disturbing these peaceful creatures.
4. Support Conservation Efforts: Donating to or volunteering with organizations like the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge can help fund manatee rescue and rehabilitation programs.

Keeping Florida’s Manatees Afloat

Thanks to the dedicated work of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida’s manatees have a fighting chance. Whether it’s through sanctuary protections, rescue, rehabilitation, or public education, every effort brings us closer to ensuring that these sweet creatures continue to grace Florida’s waters for generations to come.