At 71, Romeo the ‘gentle giant’ becomes the oldest manatee ever recorded

Oldest manatee ever (Image: Guinness World Records)

Romeo, a wild-born West Indian manatee now living at Gulfarium Adventure Park in Florida, has been confirmed by Guinness World Records as the oldest known manatee at at least 71 years old. Rescued in 1957, he spent decades at Miami Seaquarium and fathered nine calves with his longtime companion Juliet. His life has advanced scientific understanding of manatee care and reproduction, while highlighting ongoing conservation efforts to protect vulnerable wild populations.

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A West Indian manatee named Romeo has been verified as the oldest known manatee in the world at at least 71 years old, according to Guinness World Records, and now lives at the Gulfarium Adventure Park.

Romeo confirmed oldest West Indian manatee

Romeo belongs to the species West Indian manatee. He was born in the wild decades ago. His exact birth date remains unknown. He was found near Miami in 1957. Officials described him then as subadult. That estimate suggested two to five years. Conservatively he is at least seventy one. Experts believe he may be older still.

He first lived at Miami Seaquarium. There he was known as Big Bull. In 2023 he was relocated temporarily. He moved under oversight of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He stayed briefly at Zoo Tampa. In June 2025 he reached Gulfarium permanently.

Gulfarium president Patrick Berry praised Romeo warmly. He called him inspiration for conservation. Staff say Romeo enjoys lettuce feeders daily. He naps beside his favourite rock. He shares habitat with Lil Joe. Lil Joe is thirty seven years old. Another resident named Inigo lives there. Inigo is estimated around ten years.

A lifelong bond and record legacy

Soon after Romeo arrived in 1957, a female joined him. She was first named Mabel. She was later renamed Juliet. They formed a long partnership over decades. Together they produced nine offspring successfully. Their first calf Lorelei arrived in 1975. Lorelei is believed first conceived in care. Juliet lived beyond sixty five years. She died in April 2024.

Before Romeo, record holder was Snooty. Snooty died aged sixty nine years. He lived at South Florida Museum. Guinness World Records confirmed Romeo’s status.

Manatee conservation and future protection

Wild manatees often live shorter lives. Typical lifespan ranges thirty to forty years. In the wild they face threats. Habitat loss and boat strikes remain serious. Pollution also harms coastal environments severely.

The Gulfarium supports the Manatee Rescue programme. It works within the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership. Rescued animals are treated and monitored. Many are later released with tracking tags. Some cannot return to wild habitats. Those become ambassadors for their species.

Terri Calleson of the Fish and Wildlife Service praised Romeo. She said he advanced manatee knowledge greatly. Researchers learned about reproduction and longevity. Romeo now spends peaceful days grazing calmly. Staff hope his presence inspires protection efforts.