Florida manatees already are listed federally as a threatened species, but recently things have gotten direr for many of them. Many manatees do not have enough food to eat and are starving. Their natural food of seagrass is being destroyed by various environmental issues, which has made it difficult for them to find enough food in the winter when they come into rivers to the warmer waters. There has been an estimated 1100 manatees that have died last year because of this issue. Seagrass restoration programs are being implemented, but it will take time for it to mature and provide enough food for the manatees. In the meantime, over 1000 individual donations have been collected and 55 tons of lettuce has been purchased and fed to the hungry manatees as part of an experimental program. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and US Fish and Wildlife Service said that the feeding program has made a difference. As the temperature warms up this spring, the manatees will move to the ocean and to areas with a better food supply. In the meantime, these donations have made an impact for hundreds of manatees.
Manatees Saved by the Kindness of Donors
