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Summary of Transcript:
Molly Lippincott, the senior curator of Florida and marine life at Zoo Tampa, oversees the David a Straz Manatee Critical Care Center, where sick, injured, and orphan manatees from around the State of Florida are rescued. The center aims to rescue, rehab, and release all the manatees into the wild. The center has rescued over 500 manatees since 1991; exceptional cases have been documented. Manatees have no natural predators, and people are their biggest problem. Manatees are vulnerable to cold temperatures and entanglements resulting from fishing lines, which can cut off circulation. Preventing problems involves taking simple steps in daily routines to protect them, such as slowing down boat speeds in no-wake zones, reducing single-use plastic use, and not using fertilizer in warmer months. If you see a sick, injured, or orphan manatee, call the FWC hotline or Zoo Tampa.
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Summary of Description:
ZooTampa’s expert staff shares tips on co-existing with manatees.
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Learn How to Co-Exist with Manatees from the Experts at ZooTampa
Manatees, often called sea cows, are gentle giants indigenous to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. These slow-moving animals are usually found in shallow waters near the coastlines, where they can easily feed on seagrass. While they are generally considered harmless and friendly, taking precautions when encountering them in the wild is essential.
ZooTampa, a well-known zoo, and aquarium located in Tampa, Florida, has expert staff members working to protect manatees and educate the public about safely interacting with these fascinating creatures. In a recent video on their website, the team provided valuable tips on co-existing with manatees in their natural habitat.
Educating the Public on Manatee Habitats
Manatees inhabit various water bodies, including rivers, canals, estuaries, and coastal areas. The team at ZooTampa advises the public to familiarize themselves with manatee habitats before venturing into the water. This will help them identify the areas where manatees are likely to be found and take necessary precautions.
Tips on How to Spot Manatees
While manatees are usually relatively easy to spot in the water due to their large size, it is essential to be extra vigilant and watch for their presence. The team advises people to look for circular ripples on the surface, often indicating a manatee swimming nearby. They also suggest checking out areas with floating vegetation, as these are primary food sources for manatees.
Being Respectful of Manatees
Manatees are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which means that harassing, harming, killing, or capturing them is strictly prohibited. ZooTampa advises that people maintain a sufficient distance from manatees and avoid approaching them too closely. People should not try to touch, ride, or feed manatees, as these behaviors can cause distress and harm to the animals.
Protecting the Manatees’ Natural Environment
Pollution, boat collisions, and entanglement in fishing gear constantly threaten manatees’ natural habitat. To protect manatees, ZooTampa advises boaters to be extra careful when operating in manatee habitats. Boaters should also watch for manatee protection zones, where boats are prohibited from entering. They should avoid speeding in these areas and keep a safe distance from manatees.
Conclusion
Manatees are fascinating creatures that deserve our respect and concern. Following straightforward guidelines, we can co-exist with these gentle giants and help protect their natural habitat. The team at ZooTampa is doing an excellent job of educating the public about manatee safety and raising awareness about the importance of protecting these endangered species. As more people learn about manatees and their habitats, they hope to become better stewards of the environment and work together to ensure these fantastic creatures are protected for future generations.
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Source Description
Learn tips on co-existing with manatees from the expert staff at ZooTampa.
