Manatees are marine mammals, which means they live in the water and breathe air.
Although they are large, gray and wrinkly, legends say that sailors at sea sometimes thought the manatees were mermaids. Adult manatees average about 10 feet long and weigh between 800 to 1,200 pounds. Despite their size, however, the manatees are in danger and their future remains uncertain. Paddle along with us as we explore the life and times of this gentle giant. This year, we will track the movements of five manatees, thanks to scientists Jim Reid and Cathy Beck of the Florida Caribbean Science Center's Sirenia Project.