Stranded Manatee Fights for Survival in Chilly Massachusetts Waters

On July 29, 2025, a manatee was spotted beaching itself near Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, raising concerns among local authorities and wildlife experts. Erin Burke, the protected species program manager at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, stated that the manatee appeared to be a bit thin, indicating it may be in distress.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is now working on a preemptive rescue effort to help the stranded animal. Nadine Lysiak, a research scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, explained that the manatee is out of its optimal thermal environment, and its health is at risk of deteriorating if it remains in the chilly northern waters for an extended period.

This is not the first time a manatee has been spotted in the area. In 2016, another manatee took a tour around Cape Cod before being rescued and returned to Florida. That animal was taken to Mystic Aquarium to recuperate and was then flown back to Florida, where it promptly swam south to the Bahamas.

Manatees are typically found in the warm waters of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, where the temperature is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Their natural habitat is far from the cooler waters of Massachusetts, and they may face significant challenges in adapting to the northern climate.

Authorities are urging the public to report any sightings of the manatee to IFAW, as the animal's current whereabouts are unknown. The rescue efforts aim to ensure the manatee's safe return to its natural habitat before its health is further compromised.