The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) is a large, euryhaline, herbivorous, aquatic mammal that is native to coastal waters, springs, and rivers throughout the Gulf, but their range can extend along the Atlantic coast. Presently listed as endangered by the IUCN and threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manatees are routinely admitted into rehabilitation centers for care. Contemporary threats to the species include watercraft trauma, habitat loss or disruption including seagrass die-off, red tide events and subsequent brevetoxicosis, and cold weather leading to cold stress syndrome. Their predicted northward range expansion means facilities less well-acquainted with the species may be called upon to provide clinical care. Given their many unique features, comparison to or extrapolation from other marine mammals is often not direct and familiarity with anatomic and physiological peculiarities of the species is prudent. This presentation will serve to provide veterinary and rehabilitation staff with foundation level, clinically-relevant background information on sirenian anatomy, physiology, natural history, and basic diagnostic sampling techniques.