Jamal Galves, also known as “The Manatee Man”, has been involved in wildlife conservation since he was a child. He was just 11 when he started working with manatees, volunteering alongside renowned scientists Dr. James Powell and Dr. Robert Bonde. His commitment to manatee conservation led to a full-time job as a research biologist at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, where he oversees the Belize Manatee Conservation Program. In recognition of his work, he has received numerous accolades including the Belize National Hero Award and Oceana’s Ocean Hero Award.

Jamal earned a Master of Science in coastal science and policy from the University of California in Santa Cruz. He is passionate about utilizing the endangered Antillean manatees of Belize as a flagship species to safeguard critical coastal habitats.

Language spoke: English

Photo credit: Mark Thiessen National Geographic