Lemon and A Little Lime

In January 2017, a manatee named Lemon brought her newborn calf to Blue Spring. We believe the calf was born around January 9th.

Please remember to observe from a distance when you spot manatees in the wild and never disturb or separate a mother and calf. Manatee calves need their moms to survive!
Lemon the manatee and her newborn calf Lime.
The calf was named Lime, as suggested by Save the Manatee Club's Facebook followers.
Here's video of the pair when Lime was just three weeks old. (Video ©Cora Berchem, Save the Manatee Club.)
Lemon the Manatee and newborn calf Lime.
Newborn manatee calves are capable of swimming to the surface on their own and vocalize at or soon after birth.
Lemon the manatee and her newborn calf Lime.
Manatee calves are approximately 47 inches long and weigh about 66 pounds when they are born.
See a video from February 17, 2017 at Blue Spring State Park. Watch as Lime rests on Lemon's back, nurses, and surfaces to breathe. Sadly, by this time, Lime has scars, which may be from a boat hit. Lime is also sloughing skin on the tail, and that may be due to exposure to the cold river water at that time of year. (Video ©Cora Berchem, Save the Manatee Club.)
Lemon the manatee and her newborn calf Lime.
Mothers nurse their young for one to two years, so Lime may remain dependent on Lemon during that time.
Lemon the manatee and her newborn calf Lime.
No word yet on whether Lime is a boy or girl.
Here's the latest video of the adorable mom and calf pair, taken on March 17th at Blue Spring State Park. Lime has really grown since January! (Video ©Cora Berchem, Save the Manatee Club.)