In 2021, 1,110 manatees (about 15 percent of the population) passed away, making it the deadliest year on record. And mortality rates continue to stay high year after year due to starvation and malnutrition. A large power plant in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) of Florida provides warm waters during the winter months. Nearly one-third of Florida Manatees seek out these warm waters every winter, but the IRL has lost 60% of its seagrass beds due to harmful algal blooms and poor water quality, leaving manatees to starve. Work is in progress to replant seagrass beds and provide supplemental feeding, but more must be done to respond to this crisis if the manatee is to survive. 

While their habitat is gradually restored, it is critical that malnourished manatees get the care they need. In 2023 alone, over 100 manatees have been rescued and brought to care facilities statewide. Hurricane Idalia has increased the urgency of these rescues, finding manatees stuck in shallow waterways and even more destruction of habitat leading to starvation. Sadly, many of the rescued manatees are orphaned calves. Mothers who can’t find enough food for themselves feed their babies until they’re no longer able to. Fortunately, rehabilitation facilities have a 96% success rate at rehabilitating and releasing manatee calves. 

You can help by supporting Project Peril, a program of Greater Good Charities, in its work to help protect threatened species like the manatee. Donate now.

Greater Good Charities has ultimate authority and discretion with regard to the distribution of its funds. All expenditures made are consistent with the exempt purposes of Greater Good Charities.