Don’t Miss Manatee Day in Cancun & Riviera Maya! Educational Program Revealed

Manatee Day, celebrated on September 7th, will be marked with a series of conferences and activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting the care of this endangered species. Paula Lomán, environmental education coordinator at The Dolphin Company, announced that a rally will take place in Puerto Aventuras on Monday, September 23rd. Additionally, conferences will be held on Thursday, September 26th at Ka’Yok, Cancun's planetarium, from 8 am until noon.

Lomán emphasized the need to educate younger generations about the importance of respecting and caring for manatees. Despite conservation efforts, manatees remain endangered. They can still be spotted in Chetumal, at the manatee sanctuary, which has the highest concentration of these animals. However, sightings in Cancun and Holbox are now rare.

Rosy Cerrillos, corporate manager of animal care specialists, highlighted that the health of manatees is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Their continued endangerment signals that their environment is not conducive to their survival.

Manatee Day has been celebrated annually since 1999, with the goal of conserving this species. The Dolphin Company, home to 16 manatees, is committed to promoting the well-being of not just manatees, but all species and ecosystems. This message is conveyed to all their guests and visitors.

The Amar es Educar program has expanded its reach beyond habitats to educate larger communities, particularly children and young people, about the importance of conservation. The upcoming conference will target fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, using stories to inspire them to care for animals and ecosystems. According to Lomán, the conference will not only feature talks but also a variety of interactive activities for all attendees.