Meet Betsy
“The Inspector” is always right where the action is
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You may be observing Betsy, but rest assured, she is checking you out as well.
(Photo © William Garvin )
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Some people might call her inquisitive or even nosy, but to those who know and love her best, Betsy the manatee is just downright curious. Dubbed “The Inspector,” she is known for being right where the action is at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
Betsy was born to Amanda on October 19, 1990. We know this because she was born at the park. At that time, both male and female manatees were allowed to live together in captive facilities, and her father is likely one of two male manatees residing there at that time: Hugh or Hurricane.
Amanda had three calves -- Savannah, Star, and Betsy -- before the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided that manatees should not be allowed to breed in captivity. This policy is in effect because manatees are breeding well in the wild and space at rehabilitation facilities is needed to treat injured manatees. In addition, captive-born manatees generally have had more difficulty acclimating to life in the wild.
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| Betsy the manatee was named after Ranger Betsy Dearth, who cared for the manatees at the park for over 20 years. (Photos © William Garvin ) |
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Betsy was named after Betsy Dearth, who was a ranger at the park from 1986 until she retired in 2007. Betsy the ranger has a special love for manatees, and she’s the one who gave Betsy the manatee her nickname. Ranger Betsy worked for many years in the wildlife care department, and she was often interviewed about manatees for media articles, documentaries, and television specials.
Amanda, Betsy’s mom, and Rosie, another manatee at the park, were both pregnant at the same time. Unfortunately, Rosie gave birth to twins who died shortly after they were born. But Rosie provided care for young Betsy by allowing her to nurse. Rosie is Betsy’s unofficial “auntie,” and she has served as a second mom to Betsy and other manatee calves.
Betsy is distinguished by a white area in the middle of her paddle-shaped tail. She also shows interest in everything going on around her. For example, when a tree branch falls into the water, Betsy is always right there to investigate. She plays with it by stripping the leaves off the branches and then pushes it around with her nose. When Betsy attends the manatee education programs at the park, she will observe the spectators and watch the park rangers conducting the program.
Once, when a film crew was at the park making a documentary, Betsy followed the underwater crew all around the park. She mugged for the camera and gave them some close-up shots – sometimes too close up – as she used her nose to investigate their equipment.
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One of Betsy's famous close-up shots.
(Photo © William Garvin )
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Another time, there was construction going on at the park. Betsy took great interest in the development and “helped out” by using her nose to push around the sandbags that were being used for the project.
As you might guess, Betsy is active and playful and seems to enjoy frolicking with the other manatees at the park. The wildlife care staff report that Betsy and Electra, another manatee who lives at the park, will often come together to get their morning vitamins or take part in the manatee education programs.
Betsy and Electra also hang out in the best resting places – away from the currents and the many schools of fish. And this summer, Betsy and sister Ariel spent at least half of each day basking in the warm shallow water near the underwater observatory – between meals, of course.
So, if you get the chance to visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, be sure to take in the manatee education program. Watch the manatees carefully. If you happen to spot a manatee observing you as closely as you’re observing her, you’re probably being checked out by The Inspector.
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Betsy (at left) and a friend relax at one of her favorite resting areas.
(Photo © William Garvin ) |
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