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| I'm telling you something about myself! |
I first read about manatees in some chapter book set in Florida--I remember being confused initially (and somewhat weirded out) because the book described them as looking like fat, wrinkly old men. Not a particularly appealing visual for an eight-year-old. Still, the concept of a "sea cow" intrigued me. I did grow up in America's Dairyland, after all. (Note: Manatees don't really have anything in common with land cows.)
I ended up studying manatees for my TAGS project at school and even wrote my very first book about them:
MANATEES: PROBLEMS HELPS
I guess I didn't know the word solutions yet?
That book included a lot of glue-sticked art clipped out of nature magazines, factual information on endangerment, and original poetry about these gentle, large herbivores. I suggested quite a few helps. I rediscovered the book on a recent trip home and found it pretty hilarious.
In fifth grade, I joined the Save the Manatee club, first adopting Boomer. The 4x6 photograph of Boomer that SMC sent with my adoption papers is still on my parents' fridge. Tragically, Boomer died in 1994 when he was hit by a speeding boat. (Boat hits are the leading cause of mortality for manatees, who otherwise can live up to 60 years. BOAT SLOW!)
Anyway, twenty-some years later I still love manatees and it appears that pop culture is catching up with me (more on that in a sec). I'm currently adopting the manatee that made it's way up to NY waters, Ilya. I've never seen one in person--hopefully a winter trip to Florida in the future will make that dream come true. In the meantime, I will have to settle for looking at Calming Manatees online.
12 comments:
I love that there is a Save the Manatee club and that you were a part of it in fifth grade!
Problems Helps :)
That's really cute! It's too bad you've never gotten to see one! We used to go up to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut (we used to live there) and the part I remember best was seeing the huge manatees! It was lots of fun :)
Have a great day!
I remember adopting a humpback whale and thinking it was really my pet. Then boys caught my attention and I forgot all about my whale...
I've always adored manatees as well. First, they're so hideous they're cute, and they're such peaceful, calm creatures -- I kind of envy their lifestyle! Glad you shared this... It's so fun to learn these fun facts about my blogging friends. :)
Whaa? I could see manatees in Connecticut! *flails with excitement*
I envy the lifestyle of a manatee, too.
I grew up (and still live) in an area where manatees come every year. Best experience ever was swimming in the river as a kid with a mama manatee and her baby. :) They've always been a favorite of mine as well.
I agree with Katy: manatees are so ugly that you can't help but think they're cute! I've never seen one but would definitely love to. :)
Hahaha...that second photo kills me. My sister has a thing for manatees, too. She jokingly bought a gold-colored manatee statue (it's hideous) for her house and now she love it so much she wont' get rid of it. Maybe I can bargain with her to give it to a nice, manatee-loving home like ... yours.
Ooh, our first grade class adopted two manatees--Nick and Luna. (Glad to know those names are still taking up brain space.). Your book title is amazing, btw. Please bring that to market ASAP.
I would totally welcome that manatee statue in my home!
I'd love to bring MANATEES: PROBLEMS HELPS to the market, too. :)
I got to swim with the manatees in Florida in high school. I had an aunt and uncle who lived there. My Uncle still talks about the look on my face when I realized there was one right below us...amazing!
Aww, manatees are so cute!
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