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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.

November 1, 2023 • 
Patrick Sidwell
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.

Photo by Sam Farkas via Wikimedia Commons

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.
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