As a Florida native, co-existing with manatees was a normal part of everyday life. Also known as  sea cows, they are extremely important for our ecosystem and are in grave danger of being enlisted as an endangered species.  Many around the world do not know about the perils facing manatees today.  They are currently dying by the 100s off the coast of Florida due mostly to seagrass die-offs and algal blooms. Today, I will be speaking with Irene Arpayoglou, a Marine biologist in Florida, regarding manatees. Irene has a dual master’s degree in marine biology and coastal zone management.  She has worked conducting sea turtle surveys on Florida’s east coast for 10 years, while teaching marine biology and environmental science to college students. As a marine biologist, she has assisted state agencies in manatee rescues and works to protect the habitats that these animals live in. The “unusual mortality event” that occurred in Florida and Georgia led state agencies to research sea grass losses throughout the manatees’ region. Irene has collaborated on these efforts along with other researchers.  She currently works with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a Regional Aquatic Preserve Manager. Did you know: 1) The manatee’s closest relative is the elephant? (myfwc.com) 2) A manatee can swim leisurely at 5mph, is a versatile swimmer and has a voracious appetite? (worldanimalprotection.us) 3) Even though they have a small brain, manatees are highly intelligent.  They have been shown to perform just as well as dolphins when given a certain task. (worldanimalprotection.us) 4) Manatees have no natural predators and, therefore, live a long life at 60 years or more.  (worldanimalprotection.us) 5) Despite their long lifespan, manatees tend to have low reproductive rates where a female’s gestation period is 13 months, giving birth to an average of one calf every three to five years. As more and more manatees die off during this unusual mortality event, it will take some time for the population to bounce back once again. (worldanimalprotection.us)  6) A manatee can move each side of its lip pads independently. (myfwc.com) 7) Manatees do not have eyelids or eyelashes. Their eye muscles close in a circular motion, similar to a camera. (myfwc.com) 8) They don't have any biting teeth, only grinding teeth. (myfwc.com) 9) The bones in a manatee's flippers are similar to a human hand. (myfwc.com) 10) They only have 6 neck bones, unlike most other mammals who have 7. This is the reason why they are unable to turn their heads sideways and must turn their entire body around to look behind them. (myfwc.com) Join me now to learn more about these docile creatures, the current unusual mortality event and how YOU can help save a manatee today. For more information or to Donate: Save the Manatee at savethemanatee.org The Manatee Education Center #savinglives #animalrescue #therescuerevolution #manatee #marinebiology