Manatees give birth to their young in the seclusion of isolated rivers and inlets. Once born, the baby is immediately lifted to the surface on the back of the mama. She repeated dunks and lifts the baby until it establishes its own breathing pattern. This takes place in the first day. Gestation is thought to be about 12 months and a baby may stay with its mother for two years.
Sexual maturity is reached at about three to five years of age.
There is little evidence available on the longevity of manatees. Most scientists estimate 30-50 years. The baby suckles the mother's nipples, one under each flipper. Nursing periods are about two minutes long. The baby then returns to the surface to breathe.