Body contact is common between mother and calf. Manatees have also occasionally been observed initiating body contact with divers. They have even been observed making contact with inanimate objects such as ropes, buoys, logs, and rocks. They have tastebuds on the backs of their tongues and can most likely taste. Studies on manatee food preferences at Blue Springs, Florida indicate that manatees avoid certain plants that contain toxins.
Manatees have olfactory tissue on small internal nasal bones and can probably smell.
The manatee's capability of smell is unknown. All Rights Reserved.