Where do manatees live in the wild?
Quick Answer
Manatees live in warm coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries in the Americas and western Africa. The best-known populations are in Florida, the Caribbean, the Amazon basin, and West Africa.
The Full Story
Manatees are aquatic mammals that need warm water, so they are found in tropical and subtropical regions. West Indian manatees occur in Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America, including river systems such as the Amazon and Orinoco. African manatees live along the western coast of Africa and in inland rivers and lagoons. These animals are herbivores that graze on aquatic vegetation in shallow water. Their slow metabolism and sensitivity to cold make warm habitats essential for survival.
Key Facts
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"Where manatees live — and why cold water can be deadly"
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