FL manatees

borderbrae

Now sure how many folks know what a manatee is, but I thought I would post this photo. I took it Monday at Homosassap Springs State Wildlife Park, Homosassa, FL. They do a talk 2 times a day about the manatees, and feed them carrots, etc. I see them in the wild in the area when kayaking but it is next to impossible to get a persepctive. This shot gives you a good idea of size. The large one weighs over 1,000 lbs. They are very passive, veggie eaters. Ones in the park will never be released to the wild for various reasons but they serve a good purpose educating people.



This state park is a great way to spend a few hours and get some great shots. I added to my bird and wildlife galleries with a few shots from Monday.
Jean
Canon Rebel XT, Sigma 28-300 DG zoom
www.borderbrae.smugmug.com

schmoo

Jean, it's nice to see some different animals every now and then. Manatees are great creatures, although I've never been that close to one. A friend in vet school did a spring program in FL diving with the manatees and it sounded like quite the experience. They are like water cows

ivar

Oh, that's a great picture, thanks for sharing

I absolutely manatees! There were a lot around where I used to live, even close to the city sometimes. A lot of 'manatee zones' where boats could only travel at idle speed so the manatees would have enough time to get away and not get hurt by the boats. They are easy to spot from the air as well, in open waters.

I never realized they would like carrots, hehe.

borderbrae

ivar wrote:

Oh, that's a great picture, thanks for sharing

I absolutely manatees! There were a lot around where I used to live, even close to the city sometimes. A lot of 'manatee zones' where boats could only travel at idle speed so the manatees would have enough time to get away and not get hurt by the boats. They are easy to spot from the air as well, in open waters.

I never realized they would like carrots, hehe.

They set up the safety zones for manatees in the waters around here from mid Nov. through March because they come in near the warm springs from the Gulf. They also count them by plane weekly. It is sad to see the ones with scars from boat props, sadder when one is killed. They really are gentle giants. It is awesome to be in a kayak and see one pass underneath.

borderbrae

schmoo wrote:

Jean, it's nice to see some different animals every now and then. Manatees are great creatures, although I've never been that close to one. A friend in vet school did a spring program in FL diving with the manatees and it sounded like quite the experience. They are like water cows

Thanks for the kind words. I try to visit this forum once a day just to see the inspiring photos! They make me want to do better.

Jean

dbaker1221

nice shot! I think I've only seen one a couple of times...they are cool.

Maestro

They are such huge animals. They are so docile. It's a shame they are so threatened. It is nice to know that they have a sanctuary.

aktpics

Manatees are so cool! I did my checkout dives for my OW cert at Crystal River. But it was too late in the season and they were all gone :cry

Thanks for posting that pic!

jwear

nice photo something us westies never see thanks