November is Manatee Awareness Month, an annual month-long dedication to manatees and their conservation in Florida and beyond. Former Florida Governor Bob Graham first declared November as Manatee Awareness Month in 1979, when the state began designating manatee protection zones in areas where manatees gather during the winter. November is typically when manatees return to Florida’s warmer waters from their summer migratory routes.

Save the Manatee Club invites everyone to celebrate and safeguard imperiled manatees all month long. Public awareness is a key component of our mission to protect manatees. Boaters, swimmers, Florida residents, tourists, and any person who cares about manatees and healthy aquatic habitat all play a pivotal role in their protection when they learn and spread the word to others.

Throughout Manatee Awareness Month, we will be sharing manatee facts, videos, quizzes, e-cards, and opportunities to take action. You can see a suggested topics and activities below. Be sure to check out this page throughout the month, as well as our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, for additional activities and ways you can help. Stayed tuned on social media for opportunities to receive a free 2023 manatee wall calendar.

Last but not least, we encourage all of our supporters to take this opportunity (if you haven’t yet) to show off your mana-team spirit by participating in the virtual Save the Manatee 5K event, which can be completed on your own time from anywhere in the world. In honor of Manatee Awareness Month, get $5 off all international and domestic packets by using code manatee5 at checkout.

Featured Video

Have you ever wondered where manatees go in the winter time when waters cool down? Watch our short video featuring SMC’s Manatee Specialist Wayne Hartley to learn the answer!

 

Topics and Activities

Manatee Migration and Habitat

Learn About Manatees Virtually

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Small blue manatee silhouette

Fun Facts About Manatees

A manatee-themed coloring book sheet.
Download and color this cute, manatee-themed coloring sheet by Connie Roy.
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Small blue manatee silhouette

How You Can Help Protect Manatees

Zelda the manatee, left, and her small calf swim close to the surface of the water.
Like many other manatees, Zelda, seen here with her calf in Summer 2022, can be identified by permanent watercraft scars on her body and tail. She is the newest adoptee in Save the Manatee Club’s Adopt-A-Manatee program!
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Volunteer at SpringsFest in Ocala, Florida.
Volunteer Tatiana R. at Florida SpringsFest in Ocala on March 6, 2022. There are many volunteer opportunities available with Save the Manatee Club, including festivals, presentations, and the Manatee Observer Program.