Newborn Manatee Calf Sighted Near Blue Spring

June has been exciting month for SMC member, Debra Willis. She lives near Blue Spring State Park and recently sent us photos of a female manatee and her newborn manatee calf. Debra took the photos on Tuesday, June 1, 2004. In an e-mail sent to SMC, Debra said, "The calf and mom appear healthy, in fact another mom and calf came in to see them a couple of days later. The next day after the birth, I was taking a photo of the mom and baby, and another mom and older calf came in to see her. Then, this past Saturday and Sunday there were many manatees in here, rolling up out of the water, splashing with their tails in the air and doing this most of both days. We assume they were mating (or else having a party to celebrate the new baby).

We asked Ranger Wayne Hartley at Blue Spring if he knew the identity of the manatee mom, and he replied that he thought the female was Phalcon, one of the regular visitors to Blue Spring State Park in the winter. "But," he said, "we'll know for sure come November!"

In addition, Debra writes, "I have adopted Lucille for over 20 years and have been privileged, living on the edge of Blue Springs State Park, with watching the manatees in our canal for many years."

Thanks so much Debra for sharing your sweet photos!

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