EcoClub Students Get to Feed Manatees at SeaWorld Orlando

Students from the Millennia Gardens Elementary School EcoClub were finally able to meet the animals they’ve been assisting throughout the school year. The third, fourth, and fifth grade students developed, grew and harvested a hydroponics garden at their school. After learning about SeaWorld's Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation program, the students made the unanimous decision to donate all the lettuce from the garden to the 23 manatees that are currently found in the park, near the TurtleTrek attraction.

In February 2017, more than 1,000 heads of lettuce were carefully harvested by the students and donated to the park. Since then, the students have continued to care for their garden and provide lettuce to SeaWorld. 

As a thank you for their hard work and dedication to helping the world around them, the students received a special gift from SeaWorld Orlando – a sleepover at the theme park, followed by the chance to meet and feed the very manatees they have been helping. For many, it was the first time seeing a real manatee.  

As one of the founding institutions of the Southeastern United States Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SEUS), SeaWorld rescues hundreds of annuals. In Florida alone SeaWorld annually rescues between 20-30 manatees. A manatee’s primary source of food is sea grass, and during rehab at SeaWorld, they eat lettuce. Manatees eat between two to four cases of lettuce daily.

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