Tragic Death of Manatee Hugh at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Caused by Sexual Encounter with Brother Buffett

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, has released a statement shedding more light on the unexpected death of Hugh, a 38-year-old manatee, earlier this year. A necropsy report revealed that Hugh died from a 14.5-centimeter rip in his colon caused by a sexual encounter with another male manatee, Buffett, who is also his brother.

The aquarium said in a statement that on the day of Hugh’s passing, Hugh and Buffett engaged in natural, yet increased, mating behavior observed and documented in manatees both in managed care and in the wild. This was the first time such heightened mating behavior was witnessed between the two manatees.

The staff noted that Hugh began exhibiting a change in behavior on April 29, and staff began monitoring him closely. Unfortunately, Hugh passed away shortly thereafter.

Hugh was a beloved member of the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium family, and his death was a great loss to the aquarium. He was a popular manatee, and the aquarium staff are mourning his passing.

The aquarium is reminding visitors that manatees are wild animals and that their behavior is unpredictable. They urge visitors to observe manatees from a distance and to not interact with them in any way. They also remind visitors to always follow the rules and regulations set forth by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.