Manatees

[jpr62902]

The local zoo has a program wherein SCUBA divers volunteer their time to help maintain the manatee exhibit and feed these gentle giants. It's a lot of work to qualify -- first there's a class and test, then a water skills proficiency test, then the physical (including x-ray, spirometry, ekg, TB test, blood work, etc.), and then the first training in the tank with the manatees.

Today was my first training dive with Betsy, a 21 year old, 1300 pounder, and Wooten, a very curious 2 1/2 year old, 550 pound youngin'.

What an experience. Imagine kneeling while breathing under water and having a 550 lb. wild animal snuggle up to you like a cat. Sublime. Surreal. I'm still trying to process it as it was nothing short of an extraordinary event. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to further volunteering at the zoo to share more time with these amazing animals.

 

[EastTexFrank]

Man, that's fantastic. It sounds as if you can strike another one off the Bucket List.

 

[muleman]

That sounds way cool to interact with them. They are known for being very loving and friendly. I saw them on a few occasions in Tampa bay and they are not shy. Fun to watch and almost nosy the way they come up to folks and boats.

 

[jpr62902]

Man, that's fantastic. It sounds as if you can strike another one off the Bucket List.

"Bucket list?" Geez, Frank. I'm not dying (at least I don't think).

That sounds way cool to interact with them. They are known for being very loving and friendly. I saw them on a few occasions in Tampa bay and they are not shy. Fun to watch and almost nosy the way they come up to folks and boats.

Yes, it was way cool, Mulie, but I want to be clear that I wasn't trying to interact. That's a big no no. I did, however, just keep my hand on his back so he wouldn't get spooked. He just stayed there ...

 

[joec]

They are very common in the waters in Miami where I grew up. Often was in the water with them and they truly are gentle animals. They use them there now to keep the miles of canals clean of lilly pads which they do a pretty good job of. They also get torn up pretty bad there by boat props of the boating crowds.

I've also heard they are the basis of the mermaid legands but don't know how true that is.

 

[pirate_girl]

Way cool, Jim.. and what a good thing you're doing!

 

[bczoom]

I thought the thread was about matinees.

This is even better. When do they give you a saddle?

Mermaids? I thought they were petite and hot looking. Not a sea cow.

 

[joec]

I thought the thread was about matinees.

This is even better. When do they give you a saddle?

Mermaids? I thought they were petite and hot looking. Not a sea cow.

Here you go bczoom, this will explain the legand. I also should of said they used to be common when I was a kid growing up. They have fallen on hard times over the last couple of decades with their population shrinking.

http://www.theoceanadventure.com/FMIE/FM10.html

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/columbus-mistakes-manatees-for-mermaids

 

[EastTexFrank]

"Bucket list?" Geez, Frank. I'm not dying (at least I don't think).

I didn't mean to infer that you were.

I decided to start working on my bucket list and I'm not dying either (I hope) but there are still some things that i want to do before I pop off and there's no sense leaving them to the last minute or I'm physically unable to do them. Git 'er done!!!!..... early.