SeaWorld Orlando is celebrating Manatee Awareness Month with an important milestone. The park’s Rescue Team has successfully returned its 42nd rehabilitated manatee of 2025, highlighting a year filled with major rescue wins and renewed reminders for Floridians to help protect the Sunshine State’s most iconic gentle giants.
The latest return, a 675-pound male named Barber, overcame a life-threatening boat strike injury. Rescued near Barber Bridge, the manatee was discovered floating unevenly with his right side lifted out of the water, a clear sign of internal trauma that prevented him from diving and feeding properly. After being transported to the SeaWorld Rescue Center, veterinary and zoological teams immediately began critical care, treating his wounds and stabilizing his buoyancy.
According to Senior Zoological Specialist Mallorie McCormick, watching Barber make his way back into his natural habitat is the heart of their mission. She shared that rehabilitating boat strike injuries requires constant monitoring and coordination across SeaWorld’s rescue, veterinary, and lab teams. In just eight weeks, Barber regained full function and gained more than 150 pounds, making him strong enough to return home.
Barber’s recovery highlights the work of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, a statewide network that supports injured and orphaned manatees. SeaWorld Orlando is one of only five designated critical care centers in Florida equipped to provide long-term treatment for these animals.
As part of Manatee Awareness Month, SeaWorld is urging boaters and water recreation enthusiasts to help reduce manatee injuries by staying alert and following simple safety practices:
• Obey posted speed zones and manatee warning signs
• Wear polarized sunglasses to help spot manatees
• Watch for ripples or circular “footprints” on the surface that indicate a manatee below
• Give wildlife space and do not chase, touch, or feed animals
• Dispose of trash responsibly to keep waterways clean
Since 1976, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued more than 1,000 manatees, reinforcing nearly fifty years of conservation work. The park’s animal experts remind the public that every small action can help protect these threatened mammals.
Manatee Awareness Month, recognized every November, aims to educate the public about the challenges manatees face as well as the importance of conserving their habitats.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.