Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is an important sanctuary for beloved, federally protected manatees. The refuge receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Sadly, there are documented incidents of recreational visitors harassing manatees — including by separating mothers from calves and riding manatees within refuge waters. Despite this, the refuge remains severely understaffed, resulting in harassment of Florida's gentle giants. Looming staff cuts driven by Trump’s DOGE teams threaten further harm. So, we launched a lawsuit at DOGE and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to adequately staff the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to best protect Florida manatees. [Video description: A series of clips of Florida manatees swimming underwater.] #manatee #floridamanatee #crystalriver #wildliferefuge #wildlifeconservation #savethechubbymermaids