Manatee Dies From Injuries Sustained During High-Intensity Mating at Florida Aquarium

Manatee named Hugh died in April from a torn colon resulting from high-intensity mating with his brother Buffett at a Florida aquarium.
This was the first time such heightened sexual behavior was observed between the two manatees by aquarium staff.
The aquarium said Hugh's handlers did not believe he was in danger during the encounter and did not physically intervene.
A necropsy revealed a 14.5 cm tear in Hugh's colon from the mating as the fatal injury.
Intense mating between male manatees, including brothers, is known to occur as they lack a strong familial social structure.