Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Snooty The Manatee

While Hubby and I were in Bradenton we visited the South Florida Museum.  It also houses the Bishop Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Aquarium.  It was the Aquarium that I really wanted to see because I wanted to see a manatee!

The Aquarium is home to Snooty, the world's oldest known manatee.  He was born July 21, 1948 at the old Miami Aquarium and has lived at the South Florida Museum since 1949.

Two other rescued manatees share his tank, Brandee and Charlie.  They will eventually be released back into the wild but Snooty, who was born in captivity, will live out his days here.

See the white patches on Brandee's skin?  That's frost damage and will never change.  Manatees need warm water to survive.  During the winter they like the warm discharge of power plants and they know where the warm spots in the rivers are located.

Man is the  greatest threat to these slow moving animals.  The gentle manatees just don't realize the danger of a speeding boat and don't, or can't, get out of the way. 

The Aquarium is also a rehabilitation center so Snooty often shares his tank. 

Snooty is hand-fed but Brandee and Charlie are fed separately so they don't get used to human contact.

Snooty is a healthy manatee at 1,215 pounds and 9 feet 7 inches long.  Manatees love to eat lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes - white and sweet.  Broccoli is a special treat!

We really enjoyed our visit with Snooty.  If you're ever in the area stop by and see him!

Next time:  The Gamble Plantation




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13 comments:

  1. xinexSeptember 20, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    He's huge but Snooty is so cute!...Christine

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  2. A Hint of HomeSeptember 20, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    Hi Candy,
    While on a boat ride with my mom and family we saw Manatees out in their own habitat. It was exciting! Snooty is only a month younger than my hubby. lol
    It's going to be in the 80's this week but I'll take it over 100 plus degrees. It's been perfect the last few days.

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  3. BeckySeptember 20, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    AWWWW..... I LOVE Manatees!!! Snooty is adorable!!! About 15 years ago, my family and I took a trip down to the Springs in West Central Florida and SWAM with the manatees!! The water was FREEZING (in September!), but I was SOOOO excited to see the manatees in the wild! We weren't supposed to touch them, but I did! I couldn't help it!! :)

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  4. HappytrailsSeptember 20, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    Really nice post about the Manatee at the Parker Manatee Aquarium! Snooty is so cute. I didn't realize they could live that long...very interesting!!

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  5. AnonymousSeptember 20, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    HI Candy1 Oh, this is great! I don't think I've ever seen one in person! They're so big! Thanks for popping in to see me and I always love your visits.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  6. Honey at 2805September 20, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    Snooty sounds like a really good name!

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  7. Chuck and Anneke's RV travelsSeptember 21, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    Very nice pictures of the Manatees!

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  8. animal lover, quilt loverSeptember 21, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    I love manatees!!!!! My mother painted one and gave that painting to her sister. It was beautiful!!!!
    xx, Tinker & Fern

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  9. DelisaSeptember 21, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Hi Candy, I loved your post today and the delightful manatees! Years ago when my husband and I lived in California they had a special manatee exhibit at Sea World in San Diego. We made a weekend trip and had the most wonderful time. I will never forget those beautiful, gentle creatures! We got to see them eat lettuce too, probably one the sweetest, funniest things I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing all your great pictures. Have a lovely evening. Delisa :)

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  10. JacquelineSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    I have never seen one this well. They are even funnier looking when they put their noses out of the water. Darling!

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  11. RobinSeptember 21, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    I live just outside of Bradenton and really enjoyed your posts about the area. We love the manatees and go to see them at the power plant and have been lucky enought to see them close up in the gulf. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise)September 22, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    Ohhhh, and who says it isn't good to be a bit Snooty? This Ozark Farm Chick has never seen a manatee in person but Snooty looks so friendly and gentle. So unlike the wild~eyed cattle 'round here. :o)

    I'm so thrilled I popped in to meet both you and Snooty.

    From the happy hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa, ya'll have a beautifully blessed day now...ya hear?

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  13. MelodySeptember 22, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    hmmmmmmmmmmm -- Mr. Snooty is a tad bit older than Mr. Sweet Meanderings, huh? ;)

    How does a manatee go about getting frostbite in Florida?

    luvs ya!

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