Wild Windows · West Indian Manatee
Trichechus manatus
A gentle, slow-moving aquatic mammal that grazes on submerged vegetation in coastal waterways from the southeastern United States through the Caribbean. Manatees evolved from terrestrial ancestors closer to elephants than to whales.
Natural History
Habitat
Coastal saltwater estuaries, slow-moving rivers, and warm-water refuges — they cannot tolerate sustained water temperatures below ~20°C.
Diet
Herbivore: seagrass, freshwater plants, and algae — up to 10% of their body weight per day.
Lifespan
40 to 60 years.
Behavior
Generally solitary but congregate at warm-water sources in winter. Surface to breathe every few minutes; can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes when resting.
Classroom Facts
Live Cameras
Each listing shows its current source, permission, and playback-verification state.
Use This With
Printable, photocopy-friendly, designed by educators. Pair them with any cam featuring this species.
Research-style ethogram for grades 6–12. Two pages: definitions of 12 mammal behaviors, plus a 30-minute one-zero observation log students fill in during a cam watch. Compatible with our giant panda, African elephant, sea otter, African lion, polar bear, mountain gorilla, and red panda pages.
A printable deck of illustrated identification cards for the mammals featured across Wild Windows cams — common name, scientific name, conservation status, range, and a standout fact. Cut them out for a sorting activity or a matching game.
