This manatee has found herself a nice shady resting spot under a bridge. When playing, manatees sometimes chase each other, rub each other, or just roll over and over. They tend to be very curious. Manatees will sometimes pop their heads up next to boats to investigate their human company. Although some manatees avoid swimmers and snorkelers, many others swim right up for a closer look.
Manatees usually give birth to their young during the winter stay at the warm water springs.
At birth, calves are 3 feet long, dark in color, and weigh about 75 pounds. Female manatees form strong bonds with their calves, and are able to recognize them by their sounds and smell. When the calf is young and vulnerable, the mother will protect her offspring by always placing herself between the calf and anything she considers a threat. The mother has a nipple located under each flipper. The calf stays with its mother for at least a year, nursing from its mother's milk.