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  • It is very touching to observe a mother manatee leading her young calf around the safe warm springs. Passive observation on the manatees' terms is the proper way as shown by this polite snorkeler. Manatee calves often have wrinkly skin folds. This male calf has lots of wrinkles and he is fat! His mom feeds him well..  Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Mother_Manatee_with_Calf_and_Polite_...tif
  • Manatee mother and calf swim next to each other in the gorgeous spring blue freshwaters of  Three Sisters Springs. This manatee calf is nearly as big as mom. Calves stay with their mothers for two years and grow substantially in that time. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, IUCN Endangered but proposed downlisting to Threatened by USFWS for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Nikon d7200 1/80 f8 Tokina 10-17 at 15mm ISO 400 Subal Underwater Housing, Subal 8" dome port, natural light. Post-processing is normal listed actions.
    Older_Manantee_Calf_With_Mom-1370.tif
  • Very young manatee calf takes a breath over Big Sister Spring early in the season. Manatee calves stay with their mothers for nearly two years. They learn everything from her, including the best times to surface for a breath. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Little Manatee Calf and Mom_.tif
  • Size difference in manatee calf and manatee mother tails. Manatee calves stay with their mothers for nearly two years. They learn everything from her, including the best times to surface for a breath. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Little Manatee Tail and Big Manantee...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Manatee mother takes a breath while nursing her calf. Manatee mom multitasks near Pretty Sister Spring's warm blue freshwater. This is one of the three tandem springs that comprise Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_Mother_Multitasks-1220.tif
  • It is very touching to observe a mother manatee nuzzling with her calf in the warm, safe, springfed freshwaters during the cooler months. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Momma_and_Baby_Manatee_in_Sunlight-2...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the left with adoptive mother and the mother's well fed older female calf waits on the right. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-716.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Three manatees are the older female calf on the left, adoptive mother in the middle and orphan female manatee, adoptee, on the right. This ID photograph of tail notches on this adoptive mother and other subtle markings is one of the photographs researchers use to identify her. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS, Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Horizontal orientation with warm blue spring freshwater and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-742.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the right with adoptive mother also nursing the mother's well fed older female calf on the left. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Rare photograph, rare behavior, uncommon observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-735.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the left with adoptive mother and the mother's well fed older female calf waits on the right. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-740.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting the close bond of manatee mother and calf. A mother and calf float at the calm surface while the mother appears to try to corral the active calf. A fish, bream, Lepomis spp., is present. Another manatee rests below. Peaceful, natural, undistrubed scene. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water, rainbow sun rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-082-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim in clear, warm freshwater habitat. This mother swims with her calf underneath her to protect and guide it. Horizontal orientation, backlighting with sun. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-225.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting closeness of mother and calf. A calf rises for a breath while next to its mother near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., and a mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, are present around the young animal. The manatees tolerate the bream attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatees. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-692.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Mother takes a breath while her active calf takes off to explore, flanked by fish, mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus. Their red algae can be a clue as to where the pair spent the summer. Horizontal orientation with blue water and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-273.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. The calf gets curious while mother rises for a breath. The manatees tolerate the fish attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatees. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-637.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim near a large warm freshwater springhead while the calf rises for a breath. A few other manatee are in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-18.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A male calf engages in intimate play with its own mother. This behavior is thought to  be a signal to the mother it is time to wean her calf. Another manatee swims in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue water, warming sun rays, tree roots and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-9.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Mother nurses her calf in front of a large, blue, freshwater springhead. Horizontal orientation with blue water and sun rays. Peaceful and undisturbed. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS--2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. The calf rises for a breath while mom looks on. The manatees tolerate the fish attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatees. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-652.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Mother guides her calf near a large, blue, freshwater springhead. She has a large tail slash injury from the skeg of a boat motor. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, are present. Horizontal orientation with blue water and dappled sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-212.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Mother guides her calf over a large, blue, freshwater springhead. She has a large tail slash injury from the skeg of a boat motor. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, are present. Horizontal orientation with blue water and dappled sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-145.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf rest along with other manatee by a warm blue spring. The mother has substantial injuries caused by the skeg of a boat motor or two boat motors and some scars caused by a propeller. Vertical orientation with blue water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-267.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Mother rests while her active calf takes off to explore. Horizontal orientation with blue water and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-285.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Active calf explores. Calves often have bumpy skin that they eventually grow out of. The red algae can be a clue as to where he and his mother spent the summer. Horizontal orientation with rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-193.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Active calf explores. Calves often have bumpy skin that they eventually grow out of. The red algae can be a clue as to where he and his mother spent the summer. Horizontal orientation with blue water and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-282.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Mother rests while her curious active calf swims off Fish, mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, gather near the calf. Horizontal orientation with blue water and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-275.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim over a large freshwater springhead. The calf is curious as mom surfaces to breathe. Tranquil scene. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-62.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. More manatee rest by the warm blue freshwater springhead. The other calf that is surfacing appears to have sores, possibly from cold stress or a virus. Rare series and rare behavior. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1030.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf float above a warm freshwater springhead. The strong sun rays are also warming. The calf is reassured while touching mom. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present as are two other resting manatees and submerged tree roots. Horizontal orientation with blue water and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1040.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from playing while one of their mothers swims in. She is swimming with her belly away from them on purpose. When calves begin to play intimately it may be a sign it is time for the mother to wean them. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation and blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1059.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 13, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small female orphan manatee tries to nurse from the immature older calf of the potential adoptive mother. Indicates the naive nature of small manatees as the older female calf cannot lactate. Horizontal orientation with warm blue spring water on a cold day. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-706.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A male calf engages in intimate play with its own mother. This behavior is thought to  be a signal to the mother it is time to wean her calf. Another manatee swims in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue water, warming sun rays, tree roots and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from playing while one of their mothers swims in. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play. Horizontal orientation and blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-450.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim past submerged tree roots and into the warm blue freshwater springs. Other manatee rest in the background. A few bream, Lepomis spp., are amidst the tree roots. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-72.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and small calf curiously peer at the viewer while floating near blue freshwater springs. Calves often have this bumpy skin that they grow out of.  Another manatee rests in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and reflections, tranquil and undistrubed. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-017.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. An older male manatee calf plays intimately with its mother. This behavior is thought to be a sign to the mother that her calf needs to be weaned. Floating in the late-season blue freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8323.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. A male manatee calf surfaces for a breath with its mother in the warm  freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-7792.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. More manatee rest by the warm blue freshwater springhead. Another calf is surfacing. Rare series and rare behavior. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1029.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. The calf is curious while mom rests. The manatees tolerate the fish attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatees. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-638.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. A mother and calf swim peacefully during early Spring in the clear, warm blue waters of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-92-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. A male manatee calf surfaces with its mother and is lit by strong, late-season sunlight in the warm  freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8223.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother nurses her calf in the warm shallow freshwater of the springs. A kayaker and snorkelers are in the far background. Horizontal orientation split image with rainbow light reflected on the water surface. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-70-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother nurses her calf in the warm shallow freshwater of the springs. A kayaker and snorkelers are in the far background. Horizontal orientation split image with rainbow light reflected on the water surface. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-66-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is perched on his new mother's back with an escort female on his left.. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Another curious manatee's snout is just visible entering the frame on the right. This is the first view I had of the newborn manatee, about an hour after sunrise. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters with sun rays. Out in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-002.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee rests with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. One calf rests on top of mom. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. There are fish, bream, Lepomis spa. present. Bream are pecking on the manatees targeting dermis and dead skin. The irritating pecking is tolerated as that is the price to pay for sharing the warm spring waters. Rare series. Horizontal orientation, intimate scene. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-79.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on the opposite side of his mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-111.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Usually adult manatee are IDed by scar patterns on their back and tails, but this mother was not identified as she has such slight markings. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with blue water and partial reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-95-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. A mother manatee caresses her older male calf with her snout. This calf is nearing the time of weaning. Is this one of the tender touches from mom before he leaves the nest? Strong March sunlight lights this intimate scene. The pair is floating in the warm blue freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8326.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee rests with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold and blustery winter day. One calf is resting on top of mom. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Bundled up kayakers observe in the distance. Rare series. Horizontal orientation split image.. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-105-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee rests with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. One calf rests on top of another manatee. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Rare series. Vertical orientation with blue water from the spring head. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-208.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Mother nurses her calf and is reflected on the calm surface near a freshwater spring. Horizontal orientation with blue water and submerged tree roots. Peaceful, undisturbed scene. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-178.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An older manatee calf nurses in an unusual upside down position. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are around the mother who also has propeller scars. Horizontal orientation with blue water and submerged tree roots. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-216.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A calf touches its mother displaying their close bond. Horizontal orientation with green water and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-067.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Mother with two female twin calves swims into the warm blue freshwater. These rare twins are not documented but it is thought the calves are twins and not one calf with an adoptee. One fish, bream, Lepomis spp. swims beside. Rare photograph. Horizontal orientation with warming sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-197-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses her calf in the warm blue freshwater springs while a group of snorkelers, on the surface, swim in the background. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-102-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from playing while one of their mothers checked in. She is surfacing for a breath while the boys are still in contact. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation and blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1060.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from playing while one of their mothers checked in. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation and blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-454.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Mother and calf swim closely together over the historic Cousteau wooden stakes. In the early 1970s the Cousteau team placed wooden stakes to corral a rescued manatee named Sewer Sam for observation. These posts are what is left today in 2013. Horizontal orientation with lovely blue spring water, sun rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-19-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee is visiting the submerged tree roots with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Rubbing or chewing on tree roots could be investigation, or it could be scraping of certain root covers for a snack as there is little to eat near the freshwater springs. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Another manatee insists on being there too. Rare series. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-241.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are following the manatees. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-91.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee swims with her calf over a large freshwater springhead. The sun reflects tranquil rainbow rays on the manatee pair. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus swim below. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-17-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Mother with two female twin calves swims into the warm blue freshwater. These rare twins are not documented but it is thought the calves are twins and not one calf with an adoptee. All three manatees have the same algae growing on their backs. Horizontal orientation with warming sun rays. Rare photograph. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-180.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. An older male manatee calf plays intimately with his mother. This behavior is thought to be a signal to mom that her calf needs to be weaned. Strong March sunlight lights this intimate scene. The pair is floating in the warm blue freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8325.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee calf peeks out while perched on his mother's back in this tranquil, undisturbed scene. Horizontal orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-511.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee swims with her calf over a large freshwater springhead. The sun reflects tranquil rainbow rays on the manatee pair. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus swim below. Horizontal orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-18-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. A mother manatee rests on the bottom as her calf surfaces for air. Reflected are the manatees and three vents at one of the springs of Three Sisters. The pair is warming themselves in the warm blue , safe freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8624.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother nurses her calf in the warm shallow freshwater of the springs. A kayaker is in the far background. Horizontal orientation split image with patterned light rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-65-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. A young manatee calf swims next to its relaxing mother swimming on her side in the warm, fresh blue water of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-7066.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious calf floats above a blue freshwater spring. Manatee calves often have bumpy skin they eventually grow out of. Horizontal orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-197.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee swims peacefully above framed by snell's window. Horizontal orientation with blue sky and sun above. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-457.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf swims with adoptive mother. The skinny calf motions frequently to nurse. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS, Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-744.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The new manatee mother near the surface swims away from other manatees with the newborn calf on her snout. She was trying to keep him away from other curious manatees as a calf must bond with its mother soon after birth and not be separated. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters with sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-169.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-038.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee in the foreground and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-029.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee in the foreground.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-034.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-025.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 13, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small female orphan manatee swims under the potential adoptive mother while the mother's older female calf gets curious. Many manatee are in the springs. Horizontal orientation with warm blue spring water on a cold day. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-703.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 13, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small female orphan manatee nurses from the potential adoptive mother while the mother's older female calf is on the left. Many active manatee are in the springs. Horizontal orientation with warm blue spring water on a cold day with reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-701.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is between the escort female, furthest away with flippers only seen, and the mother who is helping to push the infant to the surface. There is a curious male manatee swimming fast, following the mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-121.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee in the foreground.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-036.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-027.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. The mother is surfacing to breathe but continuing to nurse. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1028.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A male manatee calf rubs snouts with his affectionate mother near a warm water spring vent. The mother and this older calf have a close bond. Horizontal orientation. The pair is floating in the warm blue freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8346.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Mother nursed both calves for over three minutes straight. Rare series and rare behavior. Vertical orientation with blue freshwater from the springhead. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1031.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. One calf is curious and another manatee rests on the bottom. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1032.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on its mother's back as she swims near me, apparently to block other curious manatee from the infant. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-079.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Mother with two female twin calves swims into the warm blue freshwater. These rare twins are not documented but it is thought the calves are twins and not one calf with an adoptee. One fish, bream, Lepomis spp. swims in front of one calf. Rare photograph. Horizontal orientation with warming sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-198.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is touching his new mother with his snout and the escort female is on our right. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-016.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 13, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small female orphan manatee vocalizes to the immature older calf of the potential adoptive mother. The small orphan repeatedly vocalizes loud audible squeaks presumably begging for milk. Horizontal orientation with warm blue spring water on a cold day. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-235.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is in between his mother and an escort female, with another curious manatee on the far left. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Note the newborn manatee's fetal folds. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-007.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee visits the submerged tree roots with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Rubbing or chewing on tree roots could be investigation, or it could be scraping of certain root covers for a snack as there is little to eat near the freshwater springs. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Rare series. Horizontal orientation, reflection and blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1027.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is touching his snout on his new mother with the escort female partially out of the frame on our right. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-012.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee swims with her calf over a large freshwater springhead. The sun shines strong light on the pair in the peaceful waters. Horizontal orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_More_CGrant_PS-5195.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. The threesome swims over blue freshwater springheads. Other manatee rest in the background. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-133-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. The threesome swims over a blue freshwater springhead. Other manatee rest in the background. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-132-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. They swim in the warm blue spring water by submerged tree roots with another manatee and fish, bream, Lepomis spp. in the background. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-192.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on his mother's back, with escort female on his left. They are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-040.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female is in the foreground being rammed by another curious female manatee. It made the newborn calf dislodge from the escort female's back. The mother manatee turns around to help as she has been guiding away a curious male manatee. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters lit with rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-142.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female pushes the newborn male calf up to the surface to breathe while she takes a breath. The mother manatee is guiding a curious male manatee away on the right. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-135.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is between the escort female, furthest away, and the mother. He is riding on their backs as they are trying to keep him away from other manatee. There is a curious male manatee in the foreground. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-123.tif
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