Tragic Manatee Death at Florida Aquarium Raises Concerns

A manatee named Hugh died at a Florida aquarium due to fatal injuries sustained during a sexual encounter with his brother, Buffett. The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium stated that the heightened mating behavior between the two manatees was observed for the first time. A necropsy revealed a 14.5 cm tear in Hugh's colon. The aquarium's keepers did not physically separate the manatees during sex, opting for distraction techniques instead. Experts explain that manatees are not selective about their partners and will engage in sexual behavior with any available individual.