Support Us Button Widget

How to help during Manatee Awareness Month

November is a month to celebrate and protect one of the Tampa Bay area’s most iconic creatures.

A manatee mother and her calf are pictured. They are side-by-side, swimming through gorgeous blue water.

Fun fact: Manatees are related to elephants.

First declared in 1979, this month gives TBAY residents a chance to help our favorite whiskered sea mammals by raising awareness about the dangers they face.

Here are three ways you can get involved in our area:

  • TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center is now open for the winter down in Apollo Beach. Stop by for a glimpse of the iconic creature (for free) + to learn more about them at the on-site education center. Pro tip: Wait for the water to drop below 68 degrees.
  • A trip to ZooTampa supports the institution’s ongoing efforts in manatee conservation, rescue and rehabilitation. The zoo is also hosting an event on Saturday, Nov. 18 in honor of the awareness month.
  • The Save the Manatee club offers symbolic adoptions from $25 per year which goes to helping gentle giants in danger and their habitats. The website currently lists five in TBAY.
More from TBAYtoday
The Tampa theme park is adding five lions, two hyenas, and a huge savanna.
From concerts to community festivals, we’ve got you covered.
Sponsored
It’s nearly turkey time and we’re ready to feast on these decadent pies and spreads.
We’re sharing the backstory of the famed Tampa Halloween celebration, and what happened to it.
Sponsored
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
We’re breaking down a new flooding mitigation project, PSTA line, and 15,000-tile art piece.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
The 3,260-sqft new build features a koi pond, zen garden, rooftop terrace, and swoon-worthy views.