Zoo Animal Welfare

Zoo Manatee Welfare

Manatees in zoological facilities require carefully managed aquatic environments with appropriate temperature, nutrition, and space to support their unique physiology and behaviour.

Key Facts

Manatees are large marine herbivores that graze continuously in the wild
Water temperature must be maintained above 20C to prevent cold stress syndrome
Manatees in US facilities often serve as rescue-and-rehabilitation centres
Feeding enrichment using varied aquatic vegetation supports natural grazing behaviour
Manatees are social and benefit from conspecific company in captivity

Welfare Considerations

Manatee welfare in captivity depends on meticulous water quality management, thermal comfort, and dietary variety that mirrors their natural foraging ecology.

What You Can Do

Support manatee rescue and rehabilitation facilities
Advocate for rigorous welfare standards in facilities holding manatees
Learn about threats to wild manatee populations including boat strikes