Manatees are vulnerable marine mammals that require warm water, ample food, and social companionship. Zoo and aquarium populations raise specific welfare questions.
Manatee welfare in zoo and aquarium settings is shaped by their specific thermal, dietary, and social requirements. Maintaining appropriate water temperatures requires significant infrastructure investment, and temperature fluctuations cause cold stress syndrome — a life-threatening condition. Replicating the enormous daily dietary intake of wild manatees requires sustained provision of fresh vegetation, which many facilities struggle to maintain at adequate levels. Social housing is important — solitary manatees show behavioural signs of stress and reduced activity. Many captive manatee facilities are primarily rehabilitation centres, caring for boat-strike survivors, which provides genuine conservation value. The welfare of long-term captive manatees in display settings requires ongoing assessment against the high bar of their complex natural needs.