Manatees and dugongs are large, slow-moving marine herbivores that present unique welfare challenges in captivity related to their temperature sensitivity, dietary requirements, and large space needs.
Manatee welfare in captivity is often linked to rehabilitation rather than display, as many captive manatees in North America are injured animals receiving veterinary care. However, display animals in aquaria face welfare challenges including temperature management, adequate space for their large body size, and appropriate dietary provision. Manatees are intelligent, if slow-moving, animals that respond to familiar caregivers and can be trained for husbandry procedures. Their sensory world is highly tactile; they are extremely sensitive to water temperature and use their sensitive lips and vibrissae for food detection and social contact. Well-managed facilities provide warm water systems, varied aquatic vegetation, and enrichment through novel objects and feeding puzzles. The conservation messaging opportunity around manatees, whose boat strike injuries make human impacts visibly tangible, is substantial.