- Manatees have no natural predators, and are naturally trusting and very inquisitive.
- Manatees are larger than you probably think they are, the average adult is 800 - 1200 pounds and about 10-12 feet long, but have weighed in at 3500.
- Newborn calves weigh an average of 50-70 pounds, and are about 3-4 feet long
- Manatees are naturally curious, and are often seen watching and touching kayaks, boats, and people, and anything else that catches their eye.
- Manatees are typically slow swimmers, evidence of this is seen on their bodies, as many have algae and/or barnacles growing on them.
- Manatees can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, for short bursts of time.
- Manatees are the source of the mermaid legend.
- Manatees are herbivores, and eat up to 10% of their body weight daily.
- Manatees can live up to 50-60 years.
- Manatees generally rise to breathe every 3-5 minutes when active, and can stay submerged when sleeping, about 10-20 minutes.
- There are approximately 5500-6000 manatees today, thanks to conservation and preservation efforts fo the past 20 years.
- Manatees are completely non-aggressive, even in a mating herd.
- Manatees do not live in large herds or groups, so a typical herd of manatees consists of 1 or 2, 2 being a cow and her calf.
