Pictured: Save the Manatee Club's research team at Blue Spring State Park. Provided photo.

Save the Manatee Club is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1981 by the late renowned singer-songwriter, author and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett, along with the late former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham. As the Voice for Manatees, their mission is to protect manatees and their aquatic habitat for today and future generations.

Through their Adopt-A-Manatee® program, people from around the world can support real, living manatees known to researchers and receive updates on their stories and sightings. “We have many members who first got involved as children because a manatee adoption was gifted to them,” says Patrick Rose, aquatic biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club. “They’ve since become lifelong advocates for the species.”

Save the Manatee Club hosts ManaTV.org, where viewers can observe manatees live in their natural habitat through above- and underwater webcams at key sites. “The webcams are an incredible way for the public to connect with manatees,” says Cora Berchem, Director of Multimedia and Manatee Research Associate. “They’re not just educational—they’re also a vital part of our monitoring and conservation work.”

The Club's vision is a world where manatees flourish in healthy, sustainable aquatic ecosystems that benefit all species—including humans. To achieve that, they engage in research, public education, legal advocacy, policy development, habitat restoration and rescue efforts in partnership with organizations across Florida, the Caribbean, Central and South America and West Africa.

Each year, the team participates in dozens of events–like last weekend’s Christmas in July at the Bazaar on Apricot & Lime–festivals and presentations to raise awareness about manatees and engage with the public. "When Save the Manatee Club is here people can adopt their own manatee. It’s really so cool," shares Kim Livengood of the Bazaar. "Plus, they have the best volunteers!"

To learn more or get involved, visit savethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646).

Pictured: Save the Manatee Club's research team at Blue Spring State Park. Provided photo.