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Science Sector

By Dr. Beth Brady, Director of Science and Conservation

Manatee motherhood is one of the most important parts of the species’ survival. A mother not only gives birth and nurses her calf but also teaches them everything they need to live on their own. But before that lifelong bond begins, baby manatees are created through mating behavior. Manatees can mate year-round, but most mating activity is observed during the spring and summer months. Mating occurs in what are known as “mating herds,” where a single receptive female is pursued by a group of males. These events can last for several days, sometimes even up to a week.

After mating, the males disperse and do not participate in raising the young. The female undergoes a gestation period of about 12 to 13 months and typically gives birth to a single calf. Although rare, twins do occur in about 1-2% of births. Since mating mostly takes place in spring or summer, calves are commonly born during those same seasons the following year. Pregnant females often seek calm, sheltered environments, such as freshwater springs, canals, or quiet estuarine coves, to give birth, most likely to offer protection for the calf.

At birth, calves weigh between 60 to 70 pounds and are about 3 to 4 feet long. Remarkably, they can swim to the surface for their first breath almost immediately after birth. Newborns begin nursing within hours, drawing milk from teats located just behind the mother’s front flippers. Manatees nurse underwater, and calves may continue to nurse for up to two years. Calves begin nibbling on plants just a few weeks after birth, but they still depend on milk for nutrition until they are gradually weaned.
During this extended bond, the mother teaches her calf essential survival skills, including how to locate freshwater sources, find appropriate vegetation to eat, and navigate travel routes between warm winter refuges and summer feeding grounds.

Manatee cow and calf pairs communicate often to stay in contact, especially in murky waters where visibility is low. When separated, the mother or calf—or both—will call repeatedly until they reunite. Calves under one year of age produce a distinctive call known as the “high squeak,” which has qualities (such as pitch) that are unique to each individual. This helps the mother recognize her own calf, much like humans can recognize familiar voices.

Although rare, manatee mothers have been observed adopting orphaned calves. In Crystal River, Florida, researchers documented a lactating female, known as CR554, nursing and caring for an unrelated orphaned calf that had been trying to nurse from other manatees. In a few cases, genetics confirmed that unrelated females have taken in and raised orphaned calves. Scientists use genetic testing to compare DNA between calves and potential mothers. When the DNA doesn’t match, it confirms the two are not biologically related.

Because manatee mothers invest so much time and care into raising their young, protecting cow and calf pairs is critical to ensuring the survival of future generations. If you encounter a manatee mother and calf in the wild, it’s important to observe from a respectful distance. Stay at least 15 feet (4.5 meters) away, avoid making loud noises or sudden movements, and never attempt to touch, feed, or follow them. Most importantly, do not separate the pair, as it might be difficult for them to reunite once separated. By protecting cow and calf pairs, we help ensure that future generations of manatees can continue to thrive for years to come.