Manatee

ocean · gentle giant · mammal

Sea cows. Manatees are sometimes called sea cows because they're big, slow, and mostly eat plants, just like cows on land.

Big and heavy. They can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh as much as 590 kilograms, that's heavier than a small car!

Three species. There are three living kinds: the Amazonian, the West Indian, and the West African manatee.

Paddle tails. Manatees have a flat, paddle-shaped tail that helps them glide gently through the water.

Fully aquatic. These mammals live their whole lives in the water, but they still need to come up to breathe air.