FUN MANATEE FACTS!

Manatees, also known as sea cows, are large, slow-moving aquatic mammals found in shallow coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries. Here are some interesting facts about manatees:

1. Habitat: Manatees are found in warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Amazon Basin, and the West African coast.

2. Size and weight: Manatees can grow up to 13 feet (4 meters) long and weigh as much as 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms).

3. Herbivores: Manatees are primarily herbivores, feeding on aquatic vegetation such as seagrasses, algae, and floating plants. They consume about 10-15% of their body weight in food daily.

Lungs: Manatees have a unique respiratory system with large lungs that extend along their spine, helping them to control their buoyancy.

Breathing: Manatees surface to breathe every 3-5 minutes but can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes when resting.

Reproduction: Female manatees give birth to a single calf every 2-5 years, after a gestation period of about 12-14 months. Calves are born underwater and can swim to the surface to breathe shortly after birth.

Lifespan: Manatees have a lifespan of about 30-60 years in the wild, although they face various threats, including boat strikes, cold stress, and habitat loss.