How Do You Adopt A Manatee In Florida?
Known as “sea cows” for their docility and bulk, manatees slowly travel the warm, shallow waters of inland coastal ways and rivers throughout the world. These mammals face threats from sharks, crocodiles, alligators and humans. Pollution fouls their habitats and destroys their food supplies. Their natural curiosity and penchant for traveling in the same waterways as small boats often makes them victims of collisions. Adoption programs can publicize the dangers and set up protected waterways so manatees can travel unharmed. Contact the Save the Manatee Club at 500 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, Fla. 32751 or call 1-800-432-JOIN and request an Adopt-A-Manatee application. Pick a location. Adoption or sponsorship is broken into three programs within three Florida areas. Blue Spring State Park cares for 20 manatees that winter in the area. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park rehabilitates manatees before releasing them into the wild. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission als
