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Partner Projects: The National Aquarium
Collaboration with The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi to protect the African manatee
The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi has established a two-year partnership with the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund to support the African manatee through the African Aquatic Conservation Fund. The aquarium has welcomed two African manatees into their new home, making them the first ambassadors for their species in the region. African manatees are extremely rare, with only a few facilities worldwide displaying them; the manatees at the National Aquarium are considered the closest to their natural habitat in Africa. In line with its mission to promote marine conservation and raise awareness about vulnerable species, the National Aquarium's souvenir sales contribute to the preservation of manatees in West Africa, further supporting the conservation of these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Teaming up with the National Aquarium, The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund supports the African Aquatic Conservation Agency in its mission to safeguard African manatees in their natural habitats.
Our commitment to following international standards guarantees that these magnificent creatures are thriving in an atmosphere that prioritizes their safety, happiness, and overall well-being.
Paul Hamilton
General Manager
The National Aquarium, Abu Dhabi
THE AFRICAN MANATEE
(Trichechus senegalensis)
The landscape
African manatees inhabit coastal and inland waters along the western and central African coast, ranging from Senegal to Angola. They can be found in rivers, estuaries, lakes, and coastal areas, particularly in the Niger River and its tributaries. Sightings are extremely rare due to their elusive nature as well as the water in African rivers being very murky. The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi has successfully relocated two African manatees, allowing researchers to study and observe them in clearer waters. Valuable information from this research is being shared with conservationists in Senegal to enhance efforts to protect manatees in the wild.
Our conservation partner
The MBZ Fund is managing the partnership between our on-the-ground partners at the National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi and the African Aquatic Conservation Fund in Senegal.
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, the largest aquarium in the Middle East, is home to 46,000 animals spread across 10 zones. With over 300 species, including 200 sharks and rays, all the animals are obtained in accordance with CITES guidelines and cared for by a dedicated team of 80 sea-life experts.
Established in 2014, the African Aquatic Conservation Fund (AACF) addresses the severe declines in African manatees, cetaceans, turtles, and tortoise species that are being witnessed across the continent. They work closely with local communities, scientists, governments, and other stakeholders to benefit both wildlife and humans. The AACF’s main office is in Senegal, with additional offices in Gabon and Madagascar, and they currently manage projects in more than ten African countries.
Conservation objective
The African Manatee Project represents an incredible initiative aimed at promoting public awareness of manatees and inspiring conservation action. The Aquarium provides a sanctuary that closely mimics the manatees' natural habitat, prioritizing their health, well-being, and ability to thrive in their new home while offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe and learn about these magnificent creatures firsthand. Capacity building is a crucial aspect of this project, and with support, the AACF has trained 18 African manatee researchers.
To date, four of these researchers have advanced their exposure in manatee conservation abroad.
Clinton Factheu from Cameroon, a PhD candidate studying manatee acoustics and genetics, conducted the first acoustic study of African manatees and traveled to Abu Dhabi to observe and learn from them in person.
Pascal Dimbot is investigating fish species consumed by manatees in Cameroon's Korup region. He has been preselected for a PhD scholarship in Portugal and received $1,800 to certify his degrees for the application process.
Lamin Jassey from The Gambia received two weeks of training in manatee research techniques in Senegal, funded by $560 from the aquarium, and plans to lead manatee surveys in the Gambia River.
Diana Seck, a researcher from Senegal, also trained in photo-identification and acoustic recording techniques, with her training supported by $330 from the Abu Dhabi National Aquarium.
