Anyone interested in Manatees?

[snelsonbrown]

I have been going to see these manatees for a very long time - this was the second time that I found them this lazy - I have gone to see them at all different times and never found their activities very different except during mating time - so no I can't say which time is different tho I have noticed in the middle of the day, they are on their back more often - who knows and I was a watcher for years and knew all their habits and they responded to names BUT that was over 30 years ago when their was a heck of a lot more manatees - anyhow I know you will enjoy them as much as those that saw them yesterday did. I am sure Cheryl will post about seeing them as soon as they get back -
Always
Shirley

 

[MiaSRN62]

so no I can't say which time is different tho I have noticed in the middle of the day, they are on their back more often - who knows and I was a watcher for years and knew all their habits and they responded to names BUT that was over 30 years ago when their was a heck of a lot more manatees - anyhow I know you will enjoy them as much as those that saw them yesterday did.

Thanks Shirley.....
I'm sure we will enjoy the manatees whatever they decide to be doing on Nov 2. I've got the kids very psyched for this

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by dbcruise

Shirley what about Directions to your shop?

Shirley's shop is on A1A. It's on my Space Coast Locater map (www.dcltribute.com/spacecoast).

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello everyone - I took a couple to the manatee's playground yesterday, but the weather was very warm and they were not interested - I do want to advise you those that do go - if you slap the water, you do get their attention -I believe they are awesome to watch - Norm and I grab something to drink sometimes and just go down and sit and watch - of course we take Tia, our 4 legged kids, with us so she can enjoy play time while Norm and I just have "time out" ---- it is a nice get away for us - I believe the children would enjoy this area - I wish someone would really clean it up and do something with it, but I don't except it will be done for quite sometime.
Hope each enjoy - and if you will just drop me an email as to your thoughts, I sure would appreciate it.
Always
Shirley

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Thanks so much for this information Shirley. I'm homeschooling my children and even though they are in kindergarten I don't believe it's too early to teach them about the animals and environment. My daughter has never seen a manatee in person and can't wait! We're going to ask the limo driver if we can skip the grocery stop and head to the manatee park instead. If he'll let us make an additional stop I would love to meet you as well! On the adopt a manatee site, which preserve is closest to you?

 

[albiats]

Originally posted by Luckymommyx2
On the adopt a manatee site, which preserve is closest to you?

I believe the closest site to view the manatees on the Adopt a Manatee list is at Blue Springs State Park, which is located in Orange City, Fl between Orlando and Daytona Beach. Here's a link to that location: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/district3/bluespring/index.asp

The location at Riviera Beach that is owned by the Florida Power and Light Co. is closed due to heightened security concerns.

I visited the Blue Springs State Park in December and it was very nice, they had several viewing locations with elevated walkways and large signs with manatee info.

hope that helps

 

[Luckymommyx2]

That does help! Thanks for the info albiats!

 

[JLSE50]

I wish someone would really clean it up and do something with it, but I don't except it will be done for quite sometime.

SHIRLEY: What kind of clean-up is necessary? Is the place littered? If so, if every DISer who visited took an empty grocery bag and picked up some litter to carry out to the nearest public garbage can, it might soon be picked up.

Jan

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi Jan,
thanks sweetie - that is not it - I would love to see it turned into a nice and clean park with pretty palm/coconut trees, tables and chairs - the water cleaned up so the manatees wouldn't have such dirty water to live in - that kinda stuff - it is kept pretty much litter cleaned - it just needs prettier-up that is all - Norm and I enjoy going out there - I put my feet in the water and try to get them to wake up --I would love to get them to where they would come up and let them be petted ALTHOUGH it is against the law -
but they do good where they are - several have scars from deep injuries they received, but are healed - boaters are better about manatees, but there was once upon a time - bets would be taken to see how many could be "runned over" with the boat - Needless to say I took steps to stop it. There is enough cruelty in the world - enough of the soap box stuff.
thanks again,
Always
Shirley

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Shirley (or anyone)...do you have any pictures of the park and some of the manatees by chance? I have a picture of it in my mind but usually things look a lot different in reality. Maybe we could all brainstorm and come up with some ideas to help improve the park. I like JLSE50's idea! It could become a DIS boarders "pet" project!!
Also, Shirley, thanks for the heads-up on the petting manatees are illegal bit. I'm one of those animal lovers that would practically jump into the water just to pet them! I could see me now, locked up in jail while the rest of my family sips umbrella drinks from our veranda suite!! LOL!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

but there was once upon a time - bets would be taken to see how many could be "runned over" with the boat -

How sad is this ? Animal cruelty stories seem to becoming more and more prevalent. It seems like I'm hearing more of it (especially at the hands of children/teens) in the news. Most recently here in the Philly area, a pit bull was beaten, just about to death, by a teen and caught on tape. He had the dog cornered in a laundermat and was beating the dog with a baseball bat. The security camera caught the whole thing---it was horrendous to watch. The dog had to be euthanized. The kid only got 4 years probabtion and some "time" in a juvi home. Animal rights activists were fighting for him to be tried as an adult--he was 17. Also, just last week, four kids set fire to a Canadian goose and then let their pit bull attack it. It was euthanized over the weekend after it sustained multiple fractures and burns.
Sorry to get off the subject of manatees, but I just find that people thought it "sport" to run over manatees very sick. Glad you were able to help them.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

I also heard about the pit bull that was beaten by the teenager. I am so thankful I did not see the tapes because I've had a hard enough time picturing it in my mind. I did not hear about the verdicts or the other incident. I truly do not understand some people but I really believe we need to institute an 'eye for an eye' punishment as some countries do. I think you would see an instant decrease in crime!! JMHO.


MiaSRN62...Lansdale is a very pretty area. My husband and I looked at property in that area before we got married but ended up in Maryland.

 

[MiaSRN62]

MiaSRN62...Lansdale is a very pretty area. My husband and I looked at property in that area before we got married but ended up in Maryland.

Thanks Luckymommy.....we like it here. It's sort of in between the city and the country. It's a nice mix. I'd really like to live in FL though

I agree with you too....we really need stricter animal rights laws. These people who inflict severe harm or even death upon animals are getting off with misdeamoner charges

 

[scottie]

We wanted to thank Shirley for the info on the wonderful location to see the manatees! Our family headed over after dinner on 9/21 and just had a GREAT time visiting the manatees!

 

[madcoco]

I know this is a Disney thread but SeaWorld has a wonderful Manatee/SeaTurtle rescue program.Give them a visit if in town.They have saved countless sea animals from death.Also if you are ever in the VeroBeach area, SebastianInlet(just south of Melbourne Beach) is another great viewing spot.

http://www.printroom.com/_vti_bin/ViewImage.dll?userid=MDM3&album_id=87780&image_id=24&courtesy=1

 

[MiaSRN62]

I know this is a Disney thread but SeaWorld has a wonderful Manatee/SeaTurtle rescue program.Give them a visit if in town.They have saved countless sea animals from death.Also if you are ever in the VeroBeach area, SebastianInlet

I just returned from Sea World and had a very nice, lengthy conversation with the manatee educator there on Sept 27. She informed us a manatee had just been brought in the day previous, but sadly didn't make it. It had been hit by the front of the boat (no motor involved) and it's ribs were fractured. By the time it was found and brought to Sea World, the fractured ribs had punctured it's lung and the lung collapsed. The woman at Sea World was so interesting to talk to. She explained how many of the calves that are rescued have a sometimes difficult time after being released into the wild because babies are dependent on the mother to learn how to survive. Many don't know about good vegetation vs bad vegetation and how not to go too far out to sea etc. They track them with wire devices and have to retrieve them again if it seems they're not able to survive on their own. Sometimes they are fortunate to get a surrogate female manatee to educate them on the ways of the wild. Anyway, I had a terrific time on Friday at Sea World.
Also, it's true about the Vero/Sebastian area. My uncle lives there and there are tons of sightings. He likes to have lunch on the park bench while looking out over the bay/inlet and watching the manatees and dolphins.

 

[Annie12345]

bump

 

[snelsonbrown]

I had a letter from someone who had gone to see the manatees and apparently their child got into fire ants ---I didn't realize these suckers are everywhere, but just wanted to tell each of you that go down to PLEASE be care for I would hate for the family to have any problems with them - I will start carrying the fire ant dust in the car when I am down there will dust the ant hills tho those things move more often than body. Glad I was able to share my thoughts with you about the manatees AND the fire ants - everything has the good with the bad - everyone take care.
Hugsssssss
Always
Shirley

 

[MiaSRN62]

I had a letter from someone who had gone to see the manatees and apparently their child got into fire ants ---I didn't realize these suckers are everywhere, but just wanted to tell each of you that go down to PLEASE be care for I would hate for the family to have any problems with them

Thanks for the head's-up Shirley !

 

[catts5]

Hi Shirley,

I wanted to let you know that we went back to the manatees when we returned from the cruise. First thing we did after getting our rental cars was to go back. It was about 9-9:30 AM and they was a playing!!!! They were close to the bank and very playful. We saw a baby or two. We did get some good pictures.

We wanted to thank you so much for it was a once in a lifetime thing for us. We all very much enjoyed seeing them!!

You are so sweet and your little dog too!!

Take Care
Cheryl