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By Judy Bower, Administrative Assistant

My love for manatees began during a family vacation to Orlando. It was my first time encountering these gentle giants, and it was love at first sight! Growing up in Michigan on one of the many lakes in Oakland County, I sometimes vacationed at my grandparents’ home in Port Richey, Florida. They lived across the street from the bayou, where I often watched dolphins and gators, but I never saw a manatee there. That all changed during one fateful visit to SeaWorld Orlando where I fell head over heels and formed a lifelong affection for these amazing animals.

In 2005, I moved to Lake Mary, Florida, and soon after, I began working at Save the Manatee Club. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team dedicated to protecting the magnificent manatee for future generations. Every time I see a manatee, I still get that anxious/happy/excited/sad feeling inside.

There’s something truly special about watching these slow-moving, peaceful marine mammals glide gracefully through the water. Their gentle souls make them stand out, and it’s easy to see why they capture the hearts of so many. When you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of those adorable, sweet whiskered snouts poking above the water’s surface for a quick breath of air, manatees bring a calmness that is both captivating and comforting. Their presence in our waters brings a unique joy that’s hard to describe, but anyone who’s seen them knows how magical the experience can be.

What I find most enchanting is how these majestic marine mammals navigate the waters with such grace and tranquility, despite their size. They move slowly and carefully, munching on seagrass, rolling, and even bodysurfing in the water. It’s this serene and playful nature that makes manatees so loved.

As special as they are, it’s heartbreaking to know that they’re in such danger. It’s a reminder of why the work we do at Save the Manatee Club is so important. We’re working hard to make sure that these wonderful beings continue to be a part of our world so that future generations can experience the same joy and wonder that I feel every time I see them.

Being part of this mission to protect and preserve manatees is an honor. My hope is that through our efforts, we can keep these gentle giants safe, allowing their presence to fill the hearts of many today, tomorrow, and for years and generations to come.