Manatees are large, aquatic mammals often called "sea cows." They are herbivores, typically growing up to 4 meters long and weighing up to 590 kilograms. There are three recognized species of manatees: the Amazonian, West Indian, and West African manatee. They are part of the Sirenia order and are characterized by their paddle-like tails.
July 21, 1948: Snooty the Manatee is Born
Snooty, the oldest known manatee in captivity, was born on July 21, 1948, at the Miami Aquarium and Tackle Company.
1967: West Indian Manatees Classified as Endangered
West Indian manatees were first classified as an endangered species in 1967.
1973: Brazil Bans Manatee Hunting
In a move to protect manatees, Brazil implemented a hunting ban in 1973.
1982: Red Tide Causes Manatee Deaths
A red tide in 1982 resulted in the deaths of 37 manatees.
1992: Boat Strikes Identified as Major Threat to Manatees
Since 1992, boat strikes have been a significant factor affecting manatee mortality rates.
1994: Lack of Enforced Laws Threatens Amazonian Manatees
Despite protection efforts in some regions, the lack of enforced laws in 1994 meant Amazonian manatees were still being captured throughout their range.
1996: Red Tide Devastates Manatee Population
A red tide event in 1996, lasting from early March to the end of April, led to the deaths of 151 manatees in Florida, representing about 15% of the known population along South Florida's western coast.
1997: Population Viability Studies Raise Concerns About Manatee Survival
Population viability studies conducted in 1997 showed that declining adult survival and potential extinction were likely outcomes for Florida manatees unless they were better protected.
1999: Zoos Contribute to Manatee Rehabilitation
Since 1999, the Columbus Zoo's Manatee Bay facility has been instrumental in rehabilitating 20 manatees, while the Cincinnati Zoo has also contributed to the rehabilitation and release of over a dozen manatees.
2001: Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership Founded
The Columbus Zoo played a key role as a founding member of the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership in 2001.
2002: High Number of Manatee Deaths from Boat Collisions Recorded
In 2002, 95 manatee deaths in Florida were attributed to boat collisions, highlighting the significant threat posed by such incidents.
2005: Red Tide Leads to Manatee Deaths
In 2005, a red tide event led to the deaths of 44 manatees.
2009: Record Number of Manatee Deaths Caused by Boat Collisions
Out of the 429 recorded Florida manatee deaths in 2009, 97 were caused by collisions with commercial and recreational vessels, exceeding the previous record of 95 set in 2002.
January 2010: Record Number of Manatees Recorded in Florida
In January 2010, a statewide synoptic survey recorded 5,067 manatees living in Florida, the highest number documented at that time.
January 2016: USFWS Proposes Downgrading Manatee Status
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service put forward a proposal to downgrade the manatee's status from endangered to threatened in January 2016 after over 40 years.
January 2016: USFWS Estimates Range-Wide West Indian Manatee Population
In January 2016, the USFWS estimated the range-wide West Indian manatee population to be at least 13,000.
January 2016: Manatee Deaths in Florida Linked to Human Activities
In January 2016, Florida alone recorded 43 manatee deaths. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that around 99 manatee deaths annually are linked to human activities.
February 2016: Manatee Population Reported in Florida's Springs
In February 2016, 6,250 manatees were reportedly swimming in Florida's springs.
March 2017: USFWS Reclassifies West Indian Manatee from "Endangered" to "Threatened"
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service downgraded the West Indian manatee's status from "endangered" to "threatened" in March 2017, citing habitat improvements, population growth, and reduced threats. This decision sparked controversy, with concerns raised about its potential impact on conservation efforts.
July 23, 2017: Snooty's Death
Snooty, a beloved manatee, died unexpectedly on July 23, 2017, at the age of 69. He was found in an underwater area typically used for exhibit maintenance. Preliminary findings suggest an access panel door, usually bolted shut, was somehow dislodged, allowing Snooty to swim in.
January 2018: USFWS Estimates Florida's West Indian Manatee Population
By January 2018, the USFWS estimated that at least 6,100 West Indian manatees were in Florida.
February 2020: Manatee Found Dead on New Jersey Beach
In February 2020, a manatee was found dead on a New Jersey beach. This event was considered especially unusual given the time of year and the cold water temperature.
2020: Manatee Deaths Recorded in Florida
In 2020, there were 637 recorded manatee deaths in Florida.
2021: Seagrass Die-off Threatens Manatee Survival
In 2021, a significant die-off of seagrass along Florida's Atlantic coast deprived manatees of a vital food source, leading to starvation and increased mortality.
2021: Manatee Deaths in Florida Nearly Double
Manatee deaths in Florida rose sharply from 637 in 2020 to 1,100 in 2021.
November 2022: Red Tide Causes Manatee Deaths in Florida
Between November 2022 and June 2023, a red tide resulted in the deaths of 123 manatees.
2022: Decline in Manatee Deaths in Florida
Despite a decline to 800 deaths in 2022, concerns linger that ongoing development, climate change, and habitat degradation in Florida might necessitate a reassessment of the West Indian manatee's endangered species status.
2022: New Manatee Habitat Discovered in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
In 2022, a new manatee habitat was discovered by Klaus Thymann in the cenotes of Mexico's Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatán Peninsula.
2022: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Implements Manatee Feeding Program
In a bid to combat the manatee crisis caused by seagrass loss, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched a feeding program in early 2022, distributing 3,000 pounds of lettuce daily to support the malnourished animals.
June 2023: Red Tide Impact on Manatees Subsides
By June 2023, the impact of the red tide on manatees had subsided.
2024: New Scientist Features Manatee Habitat Discovery
The New Scientist featured the discovery of a new manatee habitat within the cenotes of Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve in a 10-minute short film in 2024.