The Drift Plush

“Tracking information is used to determine how manatees react to the modification or loss of warm water habitats, the status and importance of foraging habitats, how and where manatees migrate in the warmer months, and whether manatees return to the same locations year after year. In other words, whether they have site fidelity.”

To learn more, visit our partner directly at mission.cmaquarium.org.

“The tagging assembly consists of a belt, a tether, and a tag. The belt fits around the peduncle area of the manatee, just above the tail, and is designed to fall off after a period of time.

“The floating tag contains three essential components: a GPS unit, a satellite transmitter, and a VHF transmitter. The GPS unit functions similarly to GPS units found in car navigation systems or your cell phone, accurately determining the location of the tag. The satellite-linked UHF transmitter, technically referred to as a platform transmitter terminal or PTT, sends these GPS locations—along with data on tag activity, temperature, and diving behavior—to orbiting satellites through various satellite systems.”

To learn more, visit our partner directly at mission.cmaquarium.org.

“The tracking equipment does not interfere with a manatee’s natural behavior or movement. It is designed to break free at multiple locations should it become entangled.”

To learn more, visit our partner directly at mission.cmaquarium.org.

We track Florida manatees, who like to hang around coastal areas, rivers, bays, and estuaries all the way up to the Carolinas! They can swim between freshwater and saltwater, and tend to stick to the warmest spots they can find.

Manatees are definitely friendly marine animals! These peaceful herbivores are calm and social, oftentimes approaching humans out of curiosity (though visitors should never touch them or any wildlife).

Based on a 2021–2022 manatee survey, researchers estimate there are roughly 8–12 thousand Florida manatees left.

The primary factors leading to Florida manatees’ vulnerable status are habitat loss, cold stress, starvation due to loss of sea grasses, boat collisions, and entanglement in fishing gear, to name just a few. In 2021, scientists in Florida declared an Unusual Mortality Event, in which a dramatic loss of sea grasses due to reduced water quality and other ecological factors led to a massive loss of manatees in a short period.

Wipe with damp sponge or cloth, using warm water and mild soap. Once dry, brush to restore the plush and proceed with snuggling.

Your plush had quite the long journey to get to you! If it appears squished from lack of legroom during shipping, give it a good fluff to help it return to its normal, cuddly shape. Still need help? Email us at support@myfahlo.com.