Manatees are large aquatic mammals sometimes known as sea cows. Although they resemble Dugongs, (another smaller variety of sea cows) the Manatees` tails are paddle-shaped, while the Dugong`s is forked. It is an herbivore, spending most of its time grazing in shallow waters.

The largest population of manatees is found in Florida, where approximately 3,000 now live. Manatees can live 50 to 60 years in the wild.

Manatees are mammals. So they breathe air have hair on their bodies and they are warm-blooded. Like mammals they don`t lay eggs; and they DO give milk to their babies. Because they live in the water, they are different from other mammals. Since manatees stay in warmer waters, they don`t need fur. Instead, they have whiskers. Their thick layers of fat keep them warm enough. The milk they give to their babies is very rich with fat, so the baby manatee can grow quickly and stay warm. Manatees usually come to the surface every 3-4 minutes to breathe fresh air. They sleep on the bottom and float up every 20 minutes for a breath.