Oh the hu-manatee!

MANATEES are strange, unique, and ethereal creatures. They like to float in shallow waters, preferably amongst mangrove tree roots, as fairly soliatry beings. They swim so slowly that some manatees grow moss on their backs from chilling in still waters. They usually mull around at the relaxing pace of 5 miles per hour, (but can shoot off at 15 miles if need be). Manatees live in both fresh and salt water. They're herbivores and eat over 60 different plants - talk about a varied vegetarian diet!

THE ETYMOLOGY of the name is unclear, with connections having been made to Latin manus (‘hand’), and to a word – sometimes cited as manati – used by the Taíno, a pre-Columbian people of the Caribbean, meaning "breast". Manatees' other name, sea cows, comes from the fact that they are slow plant-eaters, peaceful and similar to cows on land.



SERIOUSLY, manatees are literally so chill that they don't even have any natural predators. Yet their population is decreasing drastically, and they are now considered endangered. The main causes of death for manatees are human-related issues issues, such as habitat destruction and human objects. Their slow-moving, curious nature has led to violent collisions with propeller-driven boats and ships. Some manatees have been found with over 50 scars on them from propeller blades.

YOU CAN HELP protect manatees by contributing towards public awareness and education projects, manatee research, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and advocacy and legal action to ensure better protection for manatees and their habitat.
HOW? By simply adopting a manatee, you can donate to Save The Manatees and all proceeds go directly to their cause!

God Bless You Little One by Sandi