oceangrant's photostream Pro User

In beautirul sunlight a manatee gazes at the viewer. I posted new photographs and an outline of my future manatee projects on my website: oceangrant.com

Mother & baby manatee rest in the warm spring waters of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

After observing manatee behavior for many years you think I'd have seen it all, or at least most of it… But this made me grin from ear to ear. An older female calf, almost as big as mom, choosing to nurse upside-down! Have I seen everything now? I doubt it… Manatees sure are individuals!

Young manatee on the left seems to proudly display a rock it was playing with. While manatee do chew on things regularly this manatee looked like he was delighted with his special find! Endearing manatee behavior is marvelous to quietly observe at Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Recipe for contented manatee: warm spring water, strong heating sun rays & a calm spot to enjoy it all. No, the fish aren't preferred & don't serve any benefit to the manatee. These fish are targeting dead skin cells on the manatee & putting up with their pecking seems to be the price manatee's pay to share this treasured habitat.