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Manatee Sighting Update: April 2024

April 1, 2024 | ,
The river temperature dropped to 57.6° F on January 22, 2024, causing 717 manatees to turn up for the count! Aqua was among them, and we managed to get this sweet photo of her during her visit.
The river temperature dropped to 57.6° F on January 22, 2024, causing 717 manatees to turn up for the count! Aqua was among them, and we managed to get this sweet photo of her during her visit.

By Cora Berchem, Director of Multimedia and Manatee Research Associate

Sighting Update: Blue Spring

Manatee adoptee Moo Shoo, her calf, and others travel through the waters of the protected warm-water sanctuary, Blue Spring State Park, on November 28, 2023.
Colder temperatures in January brought incredible manatee counts to Blue Spring State Park! Phyllis was among 679 manatees counted by researchers on January 21, 2024.
The river temperature dropped to 57.6° F on January 22, 2024, causing 717 manatees to turn up for the count! Aqua was among them, and we managed to get this sweet photo of her during her visit.
Doc was in for another chilly January day on January 23, 2024.
Gator decided to spend some of his winter at a different spring, but he returned to Blue Spring on January 30, 2024.
Manatee adoptee Gator was spotted hanging out with two friends at Blue Spring on February 1, 2024.
After a brief warm spell, another cold front came in. We took this photo of Philip during his visit on February 1, 2024.
Whiskers came in and was photographed resting on February 2, 2024.
Manatee adoptee Paddy Doyle joined a large aggregation on February 2, 2024.
In December 2021, Save the Manatee Club staff and park volunteers noticed a very small, orphaned and cold stressed calf at Blue Spring State Park. The calf was observed for several days but was not bonding with any mother, so the decision was made to rescue her. In February 2024, Tink Tink had gained over 800 pounds and was released alongside 4 other manatees who had been rescued as orphans. Watch our short video to learn more about Tink Tink’s story.
A big “Thank You” to all the organizations who helped Tink Tink along the way!
Several adoptees came by Blue Spring State Park on February 9, 2024, including Brutus!
IDing was difficult on February 19, 2024, due to drizzling rain and foggy conditions, but we still managed to spot Nick at the park.
We photographed Lily resting on February 21, 2024.
On February 22, 2024, we got a photo of Lily’s son Margarito as he spent time at the park.
Manatee adoptees Margarito and Nick both joined an aggregation of hundreds of manatees on February 22, 2024.
Later in February, the temperature started warming and adoptees were seen less frequently. We did still get a visit from Gator on February 25, 2024.
Annie wasn’t part of the count on February 27, 2024, but we did find her resting after the count was over and managed to take a photo.
Manatee adoptee Phyllis joined a late season aggregation at Blue Spring State Park on February 26, 2024. Here she is seen taking a breath of air in the protected warm-water sanctuary.
Manatee adoptee Annie swims by the underwater webcam on February 27, 2024.
A beautiful video of manatee Sharon and her young calf alongside multiple tarpon in the protected warm-water sanctuary at Blue Spring State Park.

Sighting Update: Other Locations

Millie surprised us once again by making a trip from Blue Spring, where she was seen in December, down to Fort Lauderdale, where she was photographed in January.
Our newest webcams at Silver Springs State Park are now live on ManaTV.org! Watch a highlight reel above, and check out the live webcams, including an interactive 180-degree underwater camera, on our webcam page.

Watch Manatee Webcams

More Recent News

Flash was ‘posing’ for the camera during roll call on December 17.

Manatee Sightings Update: February 2026

February 1, 2026

After multiple cold fronts throughout the winter, we had seen most of the adoptees by the start of the new year. Here are some new photos and videos!

Avery's scar charts, depicting manatees in the adoption program she created. Photo courtesy of Avery's family.

A Very Special Visit to Blue Spring

February 1, 2026

On a recent cold January morning, we had the pleasure of meeting 7-year-old Avery and her family from Georgia at Blue Spring State Park!

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Ocklawaha River Advocacy Update

February 1, 2026

The Florida legislative session is in full swing, and Save the Manatee Club is actively engaged, advocating beneficial policies and funding for manatees and their habitat.