Florida Aquarium Discloses Intense Sexual Encounter as Cause of Manatee's Death

In a tragic incident at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, a resident manatee named Hugh died unexpectedly on April 29, 2023. The cause of death was later revealed to be injuries sustained during a sexual encounter with his brother, Buffett. This marked the first time that the aquarium had observed such heightened mating behavior between the two manatees, who had been living together for 27 years.

Hugh, resident manatee at Mote, died from sexual injuries, report says (Credit: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Hugh's death was initially shrouded in mystery as the aquarium did not release specific details about the circumstances leading up to it. However, it was later clarified that Hugh's behavior had changed after engaging in "natural, yet increased, mating behavior" with Buffett. This behavior is common among male manatees, both in the wild and in managed care, and typically lasts for approximately two months each year.

On the day of Hugh's death, the manatees were under increased observation due to their heightened behavior. Despite this, there were no signs of discomfort or distress that warranted intervention from the staff. In fact, Hugh and Buffett were initiating and mutually seeking interactions from each other throughout the day. To redirect their attention and decrease undesirable behaviors, the animal care staff used positive reinforcement tools such as high-value rewards and enrichment.

However, Hugh suddenly became unresponsive at the bottom of the pool in his habitat. The animal care team responded immediately, but it was too late - Hugh had already died. A necropsy report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission revealed that Hugh's probable cause of death was natural, but significant findings included a torn colon and blood clots. The colon tear, a 14.5-centimeter-long rip in the ventral wall, was caused by "conspecific penetration," according to the FWC.

The loss of Hugh has been deeply mourned by the Mote family and the public alike. As resident manatees, Hugh and Buffett were not only the public faces of the aquarium's manatee conservation efforts but also participants in groundbreaking behavioral research. They were beloved by the public and known for their annual tradition of predicting Super Bowl winners by choosing a target with a corresponding team placed in their tank.