Warm water is crucial for the creatures to survive and thrive.
“We are really excited to learn about them in the upcoming months and learn more about the conservation efforts that are happening for these amazing creatures,” said manatee lagoon visitor Hailey Wilson.
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Officials with Florida Fish and Wildlife recently approved protections for manatees in some Brevard County waterways.
The manatee protections include “no-entry” zones to keep boats out of the warm waters that attract manatees in the winter.
The protections come after the state partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to feed the sea cows lettuce.
Orphaned manatees to return to Florida SwimShady, Alby, and Manhattan have eaten a combined 166,158 pounds of food over the 18 months they've spent in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)
Orphaned manatees to return to Florida SwimShady, Alby, and Manhattan have eaten a combined 166,158 pounds of food over the 18 months they've spent in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)
Orphaned manatees to return to Florida SwimShady, Alby, and Manhattan have eaten a combined 166,158 pounds of food over the 18 months they've spent in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)
Orphaned manatees to return to Florida SwimShady, Alby, and Manhattan have eaten a combined 166,158 pounds of food over the 18 months they've spent in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)
Orphaned manatees to return to Florida SwimShady, Alby, and Manhattan have eaten a combined 166,158 pounds of food over the 18 months they've spent in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)
Orphaned manatees to return to Florida SwimShady, Alby, and Manhattan have eaten a combined 166,158 pounds of food over the 18 months they've spent in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)
Orphaned manatees to return to Florida SwimShady, Alby, and Manhattan have eaten a combined 166,158 pounds of food over the 18 months they've spent in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)
Orphaned manatees to return to Florida SwimShady, Alby, and Manhattan have eaten a combined 166,158 pounds of food over the 18 months they've spent in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)
Orphaned manatees to return to Florida SwimShady, Alby, and Manhattan have eaten a combined 166,158 pounds of food over the 18 months they've spent in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)
Poor water quality and algae blooms have depleted their main food source.
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