The Manatee, commonly known as the Sea Cow, are gentle herbivorous aquatic giants.
They have a prehistoric quality that leaves one in awe. Viewing them through a camera lens is like a meditation. Their slow movement as they glide through the water slows the pulse and soothes the soul.
They are familial and communal, moving in groups to feed along the bottom of springs and mangroves.
During colder months they migrate to inland areas like warm springs in Florida where the waters are normally warmer.
But these incredible creatures are dying in record numbers.
Why?
The list is familiar:
Exposure to harmful algae due to increasing water pollution
This has caused a loss of seagrass and decreased their food source
Watercraft injure and kill manatee and the numbers increase every year
Human generated trash that ends up in waterways ensnare them. They are curious by nature and ingest plastic debris, often ending in fatality
In over 6500 manatee necropsy reports from 1993 to 2012, more than 11% that died ingested or were entangled in marine debris.
In 2021 the death record of the manatee was broken at 841.
💔
When will it end?
When will we care?
When will Nature give up on us?
We are running out of time.
🥺😢
It is sad that we cannot make room for such a gentle creature. Single use plastics are taking a terrible toll.
ReplyDeleteI am heartbroken that so many people are blatantly callous about the Earth and its living essence. It brings back memories of the Noah’s Ark Bible story. Too little too late, 😞
DeleteTo lose these gentle souls would be a travesty. I know people are working to try and save them but I hope we are not too late.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that it takes the death of so many to being awareness is a travesty. All for commerce and entertainment.
DeleteI hope we can save them. We've made great strides in getting the Eagles, and Condors, and many other species back I hope we can for the Manatees as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deborah. I also worry about the gray wolf. They’ve been allowed to kill them inside Yellowstone National Park. Thank goodness the birds are being protected.
DeleteIt's not going to end until someone believes in the cycle of Manatee extinct first, human next.
ReplyDeleteSadly, John, I have seen up close and personally that these arrogant people actually are nit worried, saying it will happen long after they are dead. The person who said that to me has children. 🥺😡
DeleteIt's always sad to read about the harm we bring to those gentle animals.
ReplyDeleteThey are truly my favorite marine animal, Dan. The ‘real’ mermaids. ❤️
DeleteThey are truly my favorite marine animal, Dan. The ‘real’ mermaids. ❤️
DeleteI saw the manatees when in Florida years ago and they are such beautiful and passive creatures. I was sad to see one that had scars, probably from crossing baths with a boat motor, but glad the manatee was alive and safe in a sanctuary. I have never understood the human habit of littering. How lazy can one be to leave garbage on a beach or roadside or sometimes within a foot of a garbage can? We have not been good stewards of the planet and I often wonder what it will take to change hearts and habits.
ReplyDelete