Manatees are large aquatic mammals, found in shallow rivers and other coastal areas. They range from 8 to 13 feet long and weigh between 440 to 1,200 pounds. They can live up to an average of 40 years. On the fourth Wednesday of every March, we dedicate this day to learning, appreciating, and spreading awareness of these beautiful sea cows.
They have no natural enemy except for humans. Manatees have been hunted for their meat and are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. However, humans continue to be a threat to these creatures with the pollution that manatees consume or destroy their habitats and ships that they often collide with. The loss of habitat has increasingly contributed to their endangerment.
The Save the Manatees Club, the world's leading manatee conservation organization, devoted this holiday to educating people on how to save and protect the magnificent manatee from deadly human activities. This year it is celebrated on March 30, 2022, contributing by learning about them and ways to keep them safe.
Works Cited
“Manatee Appreciation Day - March 31.” National Today, 17 June 2021, https://nationaltoday.com/manatee-appreciation-day/.
“Manatees: National Geographic.” Animals, National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/manatees.
“Manatee Facts.” Save the Manatee Club, 16 Mar. 2021, https://www.savethemanatee.org/manatees/facts/.
Comments