The newborn calf is capable of swimming to the surface on its own. Calves vocalize at or soon after birth. This is an important part of the mother-calf bonding process. The calf begins to nurse within a few hours after birth by suckling from a teat under the pectoral flippers. Calves nurse underwater.
Calves begin nibbling on plants within a few weeks of birth.
Although it may be weaned by the end of its first year, the calf remains close to its mother for up to two years. Manatees probably live a maximum of 50 to 60 years. Manatees are very susceptible to cold weather. It's not unusual for many to die during extremely cold weather. Due to their dark color and because they are slow swimmers, manatees are difficult to see in the water.