A wildlife tour in Florida’s Silver Springs State Park turned magical when a kayak guide captured a tender moment between a wild manatee mother and her calf — a heart-melting scene of hugs and kisses that shows just how much these gentle giants resemble us.
A Moment to Remember
The touching encounter was photographed by a guide from Get Up And Go Kayaking (GUAGK), a tour company known for transparent kayak trips that give guests a clear view of Florida’s wildlife.
“[A] baby manatee and [her] Mama giving hugs to each other on the river today,” GUAGK’s Silver Springs branch shared on Instagram. “This sweet moment was caught by our guide, Josh.”
In the footage, a baby manatee swims up to its mother and plants a kiss on her chin, while she lovingly wraps her flippers around her calf. Tour guests floating by watched in awe as the pair shared their affectionate bond.
Manatee Season in Florida
While manatees can be found in Central Florida’s Silver River year-round, sightings spike between November and March, known locally as Manatee Season. Cooler waters during these months draw the sea cows — many with calves in tow — to the area’s warm springs for safety and food.
As spring temperatures rise, most manatees migrate out of the park, making these encounters all the more special.
Respecting Wildlife Up Close
GUAGK guides emphasized the importance of keeping a safe distance from manatees, especially new mothers and babies.
“It’s very important that new baby manatees have the ability to get air when they need, and that the mama has space to feed and graze,” the company wrote.
By following strict wildlife observation protocols, tour guests can safely enjoy these rare and intimate wildlife experiences without disturbing the animals.
A Gentle Reminder of Nature’s Beauty
For the guides, seeing manatee families is always a highlight of the season.
“There’s something peaceful about watching these amazing creatures slowly flow with the current,” GUAGK wrote. “We could watch them gracefully swim all day long.”
With conservation efforts helping manatee populations rebound, encounters like this serve as gentle reminders of the importance of protecting these endangered animals — and the waterways they call home.
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