Discover 10 Amazing Zoos and Aquariums With Manatees

Manatees are gentle, peaceful animals that have no natural predators and are mostly herbivorous. Although they’re fully aquatic, their closest relatives are elephants! There are precious few zoos and aquariums where you can see a manatee in person. However, we tracked them down and even found a few outside the U.S. if you’re traveling.

Manatees and dugongs are closely related mammals in the same genus. Members of the order Sirenia after the sirens of mythology, manatees are also called sea cows. They stay close to the shore where they can graze on plants along the bottom, but must surface regularly for air — which is when most boat strikes happen.

#1 Columbus Zoo

As a Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership founding member, the Columbus Zoo’s Manatee Bay facility has helped 37 manatees recover and return to the wild. They typically have one or two out for viewing and have educational programs for younger kids.

#2 Cincinnati Zoo

If you’re planning a trip, the Cincinnati Zoo has a few manatees. They’re not always on display, so call or email ahead to make sure you’ll be able to see them. Cincinnati has also returned several manatees to Florida – over 20! The zoo has thousands of animals both on display and off, including cheetahs, tortoises, and penguins.  

#3 Jacksonville Zoo

Moving south into Jacksonville, Florida, you’ll find the Jacksonville Zoo. With over 100 acres of exhibits and animals like African spoonbills, lions, and elephants, you probably won’t explore the entire zoo in one day. The Jacksonville Zoo also houses the Manatee Critical Care Center, which is responsible for rescuing, transporting, and rehabilitating manatees.

#4 Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Located in central Florida on the west coast, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park isn’t really a zoo, but an outdoor recreation area. However, it is one of the best places to see manatees in the area. You can take a hike, have a picnic, and see manatees.

#5 SeaWorld Orlando

Although SeaWorld has had some bad press, they are also one of the leading wildlife rehab organizations. To date, they have helped 942 manatees and have several gentle giants you can see in person – plus all the other sea creatures they house and educational programs to enjoy.

#6 Walt Disney World Resort and EPCOT Center

You may not expect to see manatees at Walt Disney World, but at EPCOT’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends, you can. They, along with hundreds of other species are available for viewing at EPCOT.

#7 ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Although the number of North American zoos with manatees is limited, those with manatees are amazing. The ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers educational experiences and hundreds of animal exhibits with manatees, bears, big cats, and more.

#8 Dallas World Aquarium

Boasting a live stream manatee cam, the Dallas World Aquarium makes it easy to see them whenever you like. However, in-person is definitely the best. In addition to the manatee, you can see unique and beautiful species like black and white hawk-eagles, spectacled owls, and axolotls.

#9 ZooParc de Beauval

France’s ZooParc de Beauval is one of the four most beautiful zoos in the world, with lush gardens and beautiful exhibits. Their manatees are thriving and, in September of 2023, a new member of the herd was born.

https://www.zoobeauval.com/en/zooparc/animals/west-indian-manatee

#10 Tierpark Berlin

Situated in what was once East Berlin, Tierpark is one of two zoos in this thriving city. They have scheduled feedings for you to watch as the animals tear into their dinner. Their manatees are regularly on display and popular with zoo guests.

Summary of Zoos and Aquariums with Manatees

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com