Manatees are one of the gentlest mammals around, yet they are very susceptible to danger. You can usually find these “sea cows” floating around in fresh water rivers and in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Plant Powered
If you invite a manatee to lunch, it would order a salad…a rather enormous one! That’s because these heavy herbivores can eat more than 100 lbs. of plants daily.
Endangered Swimmers
SeaWorld has rescued nearly 500 endangered manatees, including some that lost flippers when entangled in super strong fishing line. Slow-moving manatees can also be hit by fast-moving boats. Also, thermal shock from cold temperatures can affect their digestive tracks and could be seriously detrimental.
Help Out!
Don’t miss the boat when it comes to saving manatees–slow down and watch for wildlife. Clean up waterways, recycle fishing line and protect wild places in your own backyard and around the world.
Look, listen and learn more about manatees at SeaWorld Orlando’s Manatee Rescue exhibit, or get an expert-view during the Behind-the-Scenes Tour.
Fun Fact: The manatee's closest living relative is an elephant! Florida manatees have three or four fingernails, very similar to the toenails on an elephant’s feet.
