Manatee Observation and Education

The Manatee Observation and Education Center is a waterfront environmental education and wildlife viewing center located on Florida's east coast in beautiful downtown Fort Pierce. We are a not-for-profit organization operated by three full-time staff members, two part-time staff members, and nearly 100 volunteers. Administrative oversight of MOEC is led by the publicly-owned Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, and additional 501(c)(3) support is provided by the Treasure Coast Manatee Foundation. Read more about our mission and history.

The Center lies just west of the Atlantic ocean and straddles the nationally recognized Indian River Lagoon, a saltwater estuary, and Moore's Creek, a freshwater tributary. The site is a historical congregating place for Florida manatees as a result of warm water effluence from the long-retired Henry B. King Power Plant. While the plant is no longer there, it continues to be a congregating place for manatees and visitors alike.

Florida manatees frequent the Center year-round, 
but remember, they are in the wild 
so there's no telling when they'll swim by!

Come inside the Center to learn about manatees and other wild animals, Florida's diverse habitats and much more. Explore hands-on exhibits and informational displays that are both fun and educational. Stand along the covered observation walkway or climb the second story observation tower for your chance to see Florida's "Gentle Giants" resting or playing in Moore's Creek. You may also see a variety of other wildlife including the Bottlenose Dolphin, Mullet, Brown Pelicans, and Terns. Stroll through the Center's gardens where red, yellow, and purple flowers abound. We are striving to replace exotic plants with native plants to attract Florida's colorful butterflies. And visit the pond area to read about our effort to sprout red mangrove propagules to donate and plant along the shoreline where needed.