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Fort Walton Beach Today
By the People, for the People
71-Year-Old 'Gentle Giant' Romeo Sets Oldest Living Manatee Record
The wild-born West Indian manatee has lived in human care since 1957 and fathered nine calves.
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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Romeo, a West Indian manatee, has been verified by Guinness World Records as the oldest known manatee at 71 years old. The wild-born marine mammal has lived in human care since 1957 and fathered nine calves with his longtime companion Juliet. Romeo is known as a "gentle giant" and currently resides at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Why it matters
Manatees typically only live 30 to 40 years in the wild, making Romeo's longevity an exceptional feat. This milestone highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these slow-moving, peaceful creatures, who face major threats from boat collisions, habitat destruction, and other environmental factors.
The details
Romeo was first found in the Miami area in 1957 and estimated to be between 2 and 5 years old at the time, making him at least 71 years old as of 2026. He spent decades at the Miami Seaquarium before relocating to the Gulfarium in 2023. At the Gulfarium, Romeo shares his habitat with a younger manatee named Inigo and his 37-year-old companion, Lil Joe.
- Romeo was found in the Miami area in 1957.
- Romeo and his longtime companion Juliet produced nine calves together, with their first calf, Lorelei, born in 1975.
- Juliet passed away in April 2024 at over 65 years old.
- Romeo relocated to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, Florida in late 2023.
- As of 2026, Romeo is at least 71 years old, though experts believe he is likely closer to his mid-70s.
The players
Romeo
A West Indian manatee who is now the oldest known manatee verified by Guinness World Records, at over 71 years old.
Juliet
A female manatee who joined Romeo at the Miami Seaquarium in 1958 and produced nine calves with him before passing away in 2024 at over 65 years old.
Lorelei
The first manatee calf conceived and born in human care, born to Romeo and Juliet in 1975.
Lil Joe
A 37-year-old manatee who is Romeo's current companion at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Inigo
A younger manatee, estimated to be about 10 years old, who shares the habitat with Romeo at the Gulfarium.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
The takeaway
Romeo's remarkable longevity underscores the importance of manatee conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants, who face significant threats in the wild from boat collisions, habitat destruction, and other environmental factors. His story serves as an inspiring example of the resilience and longevity these marine mammals can achieve when provided with proper care and protection.
