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Travel and Outdoors

3 ways to celebrate Manatee Awareness Month in Orlando

Here’s how Orlando locals can support and protect Florida’s gentle giants this November.

November 7, 2025 • 
Morgan O’Neal
A manatee swims in blue water in Florida, with other manatees visible in the water behind it.

November was first declared Manatee Awareness Month in 1979. | Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region

Floridians love spotting manatees in the wild — but the gentle giants need our protection, too. With roughly 5,733 of the marine mammals swimming in state waters, Manatee Awareness Month is the perfect time to celebrate and support their conservation. Here’s how Orlandoans can get involved.

Adopt-A-Manatee

Starting at $25 per year, you can symbolically adopt a manatee with a known history. Adopters get a biography and certificate, with funds supporting imperiled manatees + their habitats.

Manatee Awareness Month Webinar

Log on at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 to learn about rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts.

Save the Manatee 5K Run/Walk

Around 1,600 participants will gather at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City on Saturday, Nov. 15. The in-person race is sold out, but virtual participation is still available, complete with branded swag.

Bonus: Get the whole family involved with online activities like themed coloring pages, e-cards, and trivia games.

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