71-Year-Old Manatee Romeo Sets World Longevity Record

Romeo the manatee is proving that age is just a number, and his latest achievement has made waves in the marine world.

Guinness World Records officially verified Romeo as the oldest known manatee ever recorded. At a minimum of 71 years old, and possibly in his mid-70s, Romeo has nearly doubled the typical 30 to 40 year lifespan of manatees in the wild.

Romeo's journey began in 1957 when rescuers found him near Miami as a young manatee. Experts estimated he was between 2 and 5 years old at the time, which means he's witnessed seven decades of change while remaining a calm, steady presence wherever he's called home.

His life story reads like a romance novel. In 1958, a female manatee joined him at the Miami Seaquarium, and staff named them Romeo and Juliet. The pair formed a lifelong bond that resulted in nine calves together, including Lorelei in 1975, believed to be the first manatee both conceived and born in human care.

Juliet lived beyond 65 years before passing in April 2024. Their legacy continues through their offspring and the conservation awareness they've helped create.

Today, Romeo enjoys a peaceful retirement at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He relocated there in late 2023 and has settled into a comfortable routine at Manatee Cove.

Staff say Romeo follows a predictable schedule that includes munching on romaine lettuce from special feeders and taking his daily 2 p.m. nap beside his favorite rock. He shares his habitat with two companions: 37-year-old Lil Joe and 10-year-old Inigo, forming a multi-generational manatee family.

Sunny's Take

Romeo's story reminds us that with proper care and protection, these gentle creatures can thrive for generations. His laid-back personality and remarkable longevity have made him an ambassador for his species, teaching countless visitors about manatee conservation over the decades.

While wild manatees face serious threats from boat collisions, habitat loss, and cold stress, Romeo's success shows what's possible when humans commit to protecting marine life. His nine calves represent hope for future manatee populations, and his world record proves these animals can flourish when given the chance.

Romeo continues living his best life, content with his lettuce, his afternoon naps, and his companions, showing us all how to age gracefully while making a difference simply by being yourself.