Morning at Sun Bay HavenEvery morning part of 'morning regulation' is going out side, checking the water for manatee. One morning, there was not only a manatee but her baby, nursing and playing around her. I slipped in the water about 20 feet away. The momma came over to me with the baby, looked right into my eye, seemed to say, 'go play kids,' and then the baby 'hung out' with me. She seemed relieved to have a "babysitter" for a little while. I named him baby boo. The current carried me back in the direction of the Momma and Baby Boo swam right under my legs. Again, I wanted to give them space and I swam away- just to have Boo come follow me. Mellow Mama & Baby Boo have come to visit us frequently. By looking at their markings, size, movement and, well their character, the manatee are quite distinguishable from one another.
Tragically, many of the markings are from boat propellers hitting the manatee.
Many of the injuries could be avoided by proper boating. Many of the homeowners have signs reminding people to watch for and slow down for the manatee. They are such special creatures.
