West Indian manatee

Trichechus manatus

Mammalia · Sirenia · Trichechidae

Fig. 1. West Indian manatee

Fig. 2. Range

Length or height	Body length about 3-3.5 m
Weight	About 400-550 kg
Food	Seagrass and water plants
Lifespan	About 40-60 years
Society	Mostly solitary; gather in warm springs in winter
Habitat	coastal, freshwater
Range	North America, South America
Wild or tame	Wild

Florida's state marine mammal; related to elephants. Winters near warm springs and power-plant outflows.

Observe: Watch the paddle tail and how it surfaces to breathe.

Modern data

Status today

VUVulnerable Threatened (US ESA) status to verify

Conservation	Vulnerable; boat strikes and seagrass loss.
Keeper's note	Rescue centers treat manatees hurt by boats and cold stress.
Kingdom · phylum	Animalia · Chordata
Genus	Trichechus

Check the record: IUCN Red List · GBIF · ITIS

For classes

Lessons: The Mammal Hall: Watch one mammalPreviewThe Vivarium: Measure the habitatPreviewEcosystems: A Web from the WallPreview

Drawer: Zoo: The Americas

Quiz: The Americas quiz · 5 questions

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