Manatees

It has been really cold here lately--much colder than it should be in southern Florida. When this happens, we don't only worry about the crops and citrus trees freezing, we worry about the Manatees freezing also. But, luckily the manatees around here have a place to go when it gets cold. They know to head up the Caloosahatchee River to the power plant which discharges warm water. They have been showing on the news pictures of lots and lots of Manatees so we thought we would head over to Manatee Park today and check them out.


Manatees are called the Gentle Giants but thanks to us humans, they are endangered. Many of them have been hit by boats. There are Manatee Zones all over down here but it still doesn't keep them from getting hit. Most of the Manatees have propeller scars on their backs.


We weren't the only ones who decided to check out the Manatees today. There was a huge crowd there.

The Manatees didn't disappoint us. They were everywhere. There is a canal that goes under the highway from the Power Plant. The Manatees swim up the river and into the canal. Then there is a small cove where they all seem to head to. Obviously the water is warmer there.



There were three staff members from Mote Marine in Sarasota today taking pictures and making notes. Apparently they try to identify each of the Manatees.

I did get a few decent shots of some of the Manatees especially Mamas and their babies. Following are some of the better shots. Let me just say that it was pretty amazing to see so many of these wonderful mammals in one place. Up until today, I was lucky to see one or two at a distance.