Manatees are large marine mammals that are herbivores. They eat only vegetation. There are three different species living in the world. Their scientific name is Trichechus. Manatee can weigh an average of 800 pounds and be around 9 feet long. Manatees are also called sea cows and gentle giants.
Manatees live in the marshy coastal waters and rivers of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. They can be spotted as far north as Cape Cod on rare occasions. Florida is prevalent with manatees and Georgia coast.
These creatures cannot survive water temperatures below 60 degrees. They can be spotted in freshwater springs of Florida during the winter months because temperatures are generally at a constant 68 – 72 degrees in springs.
The gentle giants give birth to live young because they are mammals. The gestation period is 12 months and generally, they give birth to one calf every two years. Mothers will stay with their young for up to two years.
The trailblazer team visited Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida. This park is famous around the world for the manatees that visit each winter from December through March. Often when we visit during these months the license plates in the parking lot are from all across the country. We have met people from other countries here as well. Manatees are fascinating creatures.
In the video, we share our visit, some facts about the manatees and a scavenger hunt we created to make our visit more fun and educational. This park is full of history that blends nicely into an array of subjects that collide when on a field trip.
If you live in a state where manatees live or visit, make a plan to go see them. They can also be found in aquarium facilities too.
Resources for this lesson
ABC's of Manatees facts and copywork
Defender of wildlife website information on manatees
Save the manatee website