Visitors at Florida’s Silver Springs State Park recently witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime sight: a baby manatee and mom hug captured on camera during a transparent kayak tour. The heartwarming moment shows just how nurturing and affectionate these gentle “sea cows” truly are.
The encounter was shared by Get Up And Go Kayaking (GUAGK), whose guides often lead guests through Florida’s crystal-clear waters for up-close wildlife experiences. While they’re used to spotting manatees, turtles, and fish, this special moment melted everyone’s hearts.
“[A] baby manatee and [her] Mama giving hugs to each other on the river today,” the company’s Silver Springs team wrote on Instagram, crediting guide Josh for filming the rare interaction.
In the clip, the baby manatee swims over to his mother, pressing his mouth to her chin as if giving her a kiss. The mama manatee then gently wraps her flippers around her calf in what looks like a tender embrace — a display of affection not often seen so clearly in the wild.
Manatee Season In Florida
Silver Springs and the Silver River are home to manatees year-round, but the best time to see them is during Manatee Season from November to March. Cooler waters draw these massive mammals closer to springs, making it easier for visitors to spot mothers and babies bonding in their natural habitat.
Lovingly nicknamed “sea cows,” manatees are peaceful herbivores that can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds. Despite their size, they are gentle creatures, and seeing a mother nurturing her calf up close is an unforgettable experience.
Protecting Manatees In The Wild
While tour groups are thrilled to spot new babies, guides are especially careful to give manatees plenty of space and respect their natural behavior. Encounters like this highlight the importance of protecting Florida’s waterways so future generations can enjoy the beauty of manatees in the wild.
As Get Up And Go Kayaking shared in a follow-up post:
“We came across Mama still keeping her baby close to her.”
For lucky visitors, witnessing a baby manatee and mom hug is more than just a rare moment — it’s a touching reminder of the bond between animals and the
Related: Grateful Rescue Dog Can’t Stop Hugging The Woman Who Saved His Life
Discover more from Trending At
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.