ISBN: 978-0-936513-43-4
Order Number: GOV317
Price: $11.95

The comprehensive, photo-intensive book is an in-depth overview of nature's strangest-looking, gentlest mammals who are among America's most endangered. Readers will enjoy learning more about this strange-looking, gentle Manatees book by O'Keefecreature which served as the basis for the mermaid legend. Manatees inhabit the Southern Hemisphere and are easiest to find in Florida. The book covers eight Florida locations where families can see manatees in the wild while diving in freshwater springs or nose-to-nose in captivity at some of the nature attractions, why manatees may be living fossils, their unique life cycle, and much more. The book is a compendium of information on growth, breeding, habits, etc. and reviews the manatee rescue and survival programs in Florida, the only state with a resident population of the endangered animals.

Beginning in the early 1970's, O'Keefe was one of the first wildlife photographers to bring attention to the dangers faced by the manatee. Its future is still uncertain due to the wholesale destruction of its coastal grazing and breeding grounds. The accomplished author and underwater photographer was awarded special recognition by the Florida Audubon Society for his continuous educational efforts. More than 80 photographs of manatees in their habitat and a delightful photo essay of 15 pages offer exquisite underwater views of this mammal's feeding manners and morals.