Join the Save the Manatee Club
In the heart of Central Florida, where the Wekiva River flows through lush wetlands and reflects the vibrant spirit of our region, the Florida manatee glides as a cherished symbol of our natural heritage. These gentle giants, often seen in the warm waters of springs and rivers, face growing threats from pollution, habitat loss, and boat strikes. At GreenOrlando, we’re proud to champion Save the Manatee Club, a Longwood-based nonprofit leading the charge to protect manatees and their aquatic ecosystems across Florida. Their inspiring work, rooted in Central Florida, is a call to action for our community. Here’s why their mission matters and how you can help ensure a brighter future for manatees.
The Manatee’s Fight for Survival
Florida manatees, affectionately called “sea cows,” thrive in Central Florida’s waterways, grazing on seagrass and seeking warm refuges during winter. However, their survival is at risk. Between 2020 and 2022, over 2,500 manatees died statewide, many from starvation due to seagrass loss in the Indian River Lagoon, driven by nutrient pollution from urban runoff and septic systems. Boat strikes remain a heartbreaking threat, as seen in the 2025 loss of Paddy Doyle, a beloved manatee killed in the St. Johns River, as reported by Save the Manatee Club. These challenges underscore the urgent need for conservation, and Save the Manatee Club is at the forefront, turning hope into action.
Save the Manatee Club: A Legacy of Impact
Founded in 1981 by singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett and former Florida Governor Bob Graham, Save the Manatee Club has grown into a global leader in manatee conservation, with over 40,000 members. Based in Longwood, Florida, the Club focuses on research, rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy to protect manatees and their habitats. Their Adopt-A-Manatee® program allows supporters to symbolically adopt manatees like Merlin, Phyllis, or Ester, with funds supporting critical initiatives. A January 2024 Facebook post (@savethemanatee) celebrated a record 932 manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park, highlighting adoptee Ester and her calf, a testament to the Club’s success in protecting key habitats.
The Club’s work spans Central Florida’s waterways, from the Wekiva to the St. Johns River. They operate live webcams, like those at ManaTV.org, offering glimpses of manatees in their natural environment. A 2024 Facebook post showcased Barbra and her new calf, captivating viewers and raising awareness. Through research, like tracking manatee migration patterns, and rehabilitation, such as aiding orphaned calves like Mandalore at SeaWorld Orlando, Save the Manatee Club is saving lives and restoring ecosystems.
Recent Victories and Ongoing Efforts
Save the Manatee Club’s impact is transformative. In 2025, they secured a legal victory for the Indian River Lagoon, where a judge’s ruling strengthened regulations to combat nutrient pollution, aiding seagrass restoration critical for manatees. Partnering with the Brevard Zoo’s Restore Our Shores program, the Club is replanting seagrass to revive feeding grounds. Their Manatee MATES Program, in collaboration with the University of Florida and Get Up and Go Kayaking, trains volunteers to educate boaters, reducing manatee harassment in rivers like the Weeki Wachee. The Guardian Guides program certifies eco-tour operators, ensuring responsible wildlife viewing.
In Central Florida, the Club’s advocacy for cleaner waterways has pushed for better stormwater management and reduced fertilizer use, tackling algal blooms that threaten manatees. A 2023 Facebook post celebrated Maya and her calf, a symbol of successful habitat protection. These efforts echo the Space Coast’s sea turtle ordinances, which redirected hatchlings to the ocean, showing how community action can drive change.
Why Central Florida Must Act
Central Florida’s rivers, springs, and lakes are lifelines for manatees, but urban sprawl and pollution threaten these ecosystems. The Wekiva River, a National Wild and Scenic River, and Lake Apopka face challenges from runoff, which fuels harmful algal blooms. Save the Manatee Club’s work ensures these waterways remain sanctuaries for manatees, alligators, and wading birds, while boosting eco-tourism that fuels local pride and economies. Their Central Florida roots make their mission especially resonant, aligning with GreenOrlando’s commitment to sustainability and community-driven solutions.
How You Can Help Save the Manatee Club
Save the Manatee Club offers countless ways for Central Floridians to get involved:
Adopt a Manatee
Join the Adopt-A-Manatee® program at savethemanatee.org to fund conservation. Support manatees like Phyllis or Gator, whose stories are shared on the Club’s Facebook page.
Volunteer
Sign up for events like the Florida Manatee Festival in Crystal River (January 2026) or volunteer as a manatee observer. Email volunteer@savethemanatee.org, as promoted in a 2020 Facebook post.
Report Manatee Sightings
If you spot a distressed or injured manatee, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC or use the FWC Reporter App.
Spread Awareness
Follow @savethemanatee on Facebook and share posts, like the 2024 update on Barbra’s calf, to educate others.
A Brighter Future for Manatees
Save the Manatee Club’s tireless work—from legal victories to hands-on restoration—shows that Central Florida can lead the way in manatee conservation. Their efforts to restore the Indian River Lagoon and protect rivers like the Wekiva inspire hope, much like the Space Coast’s sea turtle successes. By supporting the Club, you’re helping ensure manatees continue to grace our waterways for generations. At GreenOrlando, we believe in the power of community to drive change. Join Save the Manatee Club today—adopt a manatee, volunteer, or take the fertilizer-free pledge. Together, we can keep Central Florida a thriving home for these gentle giants.