At Venture Outdoors, we’ve always believed in leaving nature better than we found it. So when the opportunity came to symbolically adopt a manatee through Save the Manatee Club, we didn’t hesitate — and just like that, Flash became part of the family.
But this isn’t just about one manatee. It’s about making real moves to protect the wildlife that makes Florida waters so magical.
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Why We Adopted Flash
Flash may be shy, but his story is anything but quiet. He was originally named “Mr. Clean” for having an unscarred, pristine body — a rarity among wild manatees. Over time, though, Flash suffered a series of boat-strike injuries across his back, tail, and face. Though he’s healed, the scars remain as stark reminders of the risks manatees face due to human activity.
His new name, “Flash,” suits his tendency to bolt away quickly when disturbed. Whether he was always shy or became that way after his injuries is unclear — but we like to believe it’s a result of his experience with humans. That detail carries weight. It reinforces the idea that our actions don’t just hurt wildlife physically; they shape behavior in lasting ways. In Flash’s case, it may have robbed us of the very interactions we cherish most with creatures like him.
When Flash does visit Blue Springs, he usually shows up early for the winter season, often coming in ahead of the other manatees. Though he often keeps to himself, he does sometimes travel in and out for the season with other manatees. He has been spotted with adoptees Merlin, Lenny, Brutus, and Lucille. Despite his timidity with humans, he’s been known to pester the female manatees.
You can check out the following link for the full story and a schematic of how to identify him through the scars and other images.
https://savethemanatee.org/adopt-a-manatee/flash/
So why did we adopt Flash? A few reasons:
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We wanted to support the important work of Save the Manatee Club.
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We were specifically looking to adopt a manatee that visits Blue Spring State Park — a stop on many of our tours.
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We were deeply moved by Flash’s story. He’s a survivor — quiet, resilient, and emblematic of the larger fight for conservation.
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Flash represents what we stand for: the conservation and protection of Florida’s wildlife and environment. His scars are a visual testament to the consequences of human carelessness.
In many ways, Flash serves as a warning and a symbol. He reminds us that a love for wild animals must be paired with a deep sense of responsibility. Without that, we risk losing not only their presence in our waters — but also the rare, magical moments of connection we seek with them.
How Manatee Adoptions Help
Symbolic adoptions through programs like Save the Manatee Club directly support:
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Rescue and rehabilitation efforts for sick or injured manatees
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Public education to reduce human-related threats
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Habitat protection and water quality improvement initiatives
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Research and tracking to better understand manatee behavior
Each adoption contributes to long-term solutions — not just for one manatee, but for the entire population.
Can You See Flash on Our Tours?
In all honesty, probably not. Flash is extremely shy and tends to keep his distance from people, which makes sightings on our tours unlikely. But his elusive nature is part of what made his story so compelling to us — and it’s why we also chose to adopt Annie.
You can find her story here: https://savethemanatee.org/adopt-a-manatee/annie/
Annie is another manatee you might meet. Rescued as an orphaned calf and released in 2008, Annie is anything but shy. She’s a fan favorite at Blue Spring State Park and is known for being curious and friendly with visitors. If you’re hoping for a manatee encounter on one of our tours, there’s a better chance you’ll see Annie — or one of her equally sociable friends — especially during the cooler months when manatees gather in the warm-water springs.
So while Flash may be hard to spot, his story is still very much a part of the experience we share with our guests.
How You Can Get Involved
Want to adopt your own manatee? You absolutely can. Here’s how:
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Visit SaveTheManatee.org and check out the Adopt-A-Manatee® program.
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Choose a manatee whose story speaks to you — like we did with Flash.
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Receive an adoption certificate, bio, and updates about your manatee.
It’s a meaningful gift, a cool keepsake, and a powerful way to help.
What Else Can You Do to Protect Florida’s Wildlife?
Protecting manatees — and all Florida wildlife — goes beyond adoptions. Here are a few other simple but impactful steps:
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Practice responsible boating: Follow no-wake zones and keep a lookout for manatees.
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Avoid single-use plastics that can end up in waterways.
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Support eco-conscious businesses and tour operators.
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Volunteer with local conservation groups.
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Educate others — the more people know, the more they care.
Every small action adds up. Wildlife doesn’t need perfection — it needs participation.
Final Thoughts
Adopting Flash is more than a gesture — it was a promise. A promise to keep doing our part to preserve Florida’s wild wonders, both above and below the surface. And we’ve taken that commitment even further: we just completed our Guardian Guide recertification with the Save the Manatee Club, proudly demonstrating our ongoing support and dedication to manatee protection and education.
So whether you’re joining us for a peaceful paddle or an adventurous eco-tour, know this: you’re not just exploring. You’re supporting something bigger.
And who knows… maybe Flash will be waiting to say hello.
