Florida Manatees Make Super Bowl 2017 Picks

SARASOTA, FL — Not sure who to back in this Sunday’s Super Bowl? The manatees at Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium might be able to lend a hand, or flipper.

For the 10th year running, Mote’s Buffett and Hugh have made their picks for the big game. The decision for Super Bowl LI, however, is split, with Buffett putting his backing behind the Atlanta Falcons and Hugh preferring the New England Patriots, according to aquarium officials.

Split picks are not at all unusual among the two aquatic mammals, aquarium officials reminded after the critters made their picks Wednesday morning. Even so, Buffett does hold a superior 10-year record.

“Again, this year we have a house divided,” said Kat Boerner, manatee research supervisor. “Buffett knew exactly who he wanted to pick and went straight for the Atlanta Falcons.”

Hugh, perhaps hoping to improve his prediction track record, took his time before selecting the Pats, Boerner said.

To make their picks, the manatees were presented with photos of team helmets. The helmet they swam up to represents their pick for the game. While the selection process is fun for humans to watch, it also serves as a way for Mote staff to help train the manatees in behaviors that help with their care.

“The training we focus on in our manatee exhibit revolves around husbandry behaviors, which help facilitate veterinary care, and research,” Boerner said. “By having the manatees trained to go to targets, we are able to maneuver them around the exhibit and ask them for a variety of behaviors. This helps during veterinary procedures and during our research training sessions, which focus on manatee senses.”

As for the prediction track records, Buffett has picked correctly eight out of the nine last Super Bowls. The 2014 match-up between the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos tripped him up, aquarium officials say.

Hugh has been right only five out of nine times. Whether that record will improve will be determined this Sunday, Feb. 5 when the Falcons and Patriots meet up in Houston. Super Bowl LI is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. EST.

To find out more about Mote, visit its website.

Which manatee do you think made the right prediction this year? Let us know by commenting below!

Photos courtesy of Mote Marine