π A Florida legend just made history!
Romeo, a beloved resident of the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island, has officially been certified by Guinness World Records as the oldest manatee ever recorded. π
First found in the wild in 1957, Romeo was estimated to be 2β5 years old at the time, which means he is at least 71 years old in 2026 and possibly even older!
Over the years, Romeo has lived at the Miami Seaquarium, Zoo Tampa, and now calls the Gulfarium home after arriving in 2025.
Manatees typically live 30β40 years, making Romeoβs longevity truly extraordinary. He also leaves behind a legacy of nine calves with his longtime partner Juliet, who lived to be 65.
Before Romeo, the record was held by Snooty, who lived 69 years and 2 days.
Romeo continues to inspire visitors and raise awareness about ocean conservation and protecting manatees. π
#Manatee #FloridaWildlife #OceanConservation #GuinnessWorldRecords #Gulfarium #OkaloosaIsland #panamacityrealtor #panamacityloanofficer #floridaloanofficer #panamacitybeachrealestateagent #panamacitybeachrealtor #panamacityrealestateagent
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/02/17/Guinness-World-Records-oldest-manatee-ever/4861771350911/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=68d140b8fe73f3ad9e0fd088
