Manatees

Manatees are large mammals. They are also called sea cows. Manatees are slow and curious.

A manatee has a large upper lip. The upper lip has many stiff hairs. A manatee has two front flippers. It also has a flat tail. The tail looks like a paddle.

Manatees live in rivers and oceans. They usually stay in shallow water. Manatees are found in the seas near North America and South America. They can also be found in Africa.

Manatees spend half the day sleeping. They spend the other half looking for food. Manatees eat many kinds of plants. They eat mangrove leaves, turtle grass, and algae.

A baby manatee is called a calf. Manatee calves stay with their mothers for approximately one year. Manatees usually live by themselves. They can live 40 years in the wild.