Jeannie has four different Manatees in her plush collection. They include the little blue Manatee that was made by Applause and was part of their Wyland Collection (retired). The large Manatee in the back is 12 inches long from nose to tail. It was purchased at a local collectibles show. And on the right is Manny the Manatee from Douglas. Manny is the only item above that can be purchased in the Gift Shop, if in stock. The light grey Manatee is also called Manny and it was made by Ty Inc. Manny is a Beanie Baby and is retired.
The Manatee, Trichechus manatus, is a large, water-dwelling mammal. It is about seven feet long and weighs around 450 pounds. They can reach a length of 13 feet and weigh up to 3,500 pounds. Manatees are helpless out of the water. They are vegetarians and feed on underwater vegetation such as water hyacinth and hydrilla. They cannot tolerate water temperatures that are lower than 46 degrees F.
Manatees have six teeth on each side of the upper and lower jaw. As the teeth wear out they are replaced. The front tooth falls out and is replaced by a new tooth at the end of the line that pushes forward.
Manatee's nostrils are valvelike, closing when they submerge. The animal is almost hairless with the muzzle covered with stiff bristles. The front legs are flippers and the tail is a broad paddle.
These animals can remain submerged for up to 25 minutes but generally only remain underwater for 9 minutes at a time.
Manatees bear one calf every year. The gestation period is about 11 months.They are born in April or May and weigh around 60 pounds. They are born under water and the mother immediately brings her baby to the surface. Both parents tend the young. Nursing takes place under water.
Predators of this animal include sharks, alligators, crocodiles and killer whales. Manatees are slow movers and sometimes injured in the water by boat propellers. These animals are endangered and fully protected in the United States.
Order: Sirenia | Family: Trichechidae | Genus/Species: Trichechus manatus
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