The Florida Manatee
Facts and Information

The manatee, or sea cow, is one of the world's most unusual and fascinating animals. It is a creature of legend as much as fact.

When Christopher Columbus sighted a manatee in 1493, he mistook the docile, dumpy-looking manatee for a mermaid.

Today, we know quite a bit more about the manatee's true nature than Columbus but there are some things we still don't know.

Where to See Manatees

How Long Have Manatees Been Around?

Why Manatees Were Mistaken for Mermaids

Manatees and Elephants: Close Cousins

Manatee--Where The Name Came From

How Long Do Manatees Live?

Why Manatees Became Endangered

To Florida Animals and Wildlife Homepage