News

On Thursday, August 13 at 5:49 p.m., Phyllis, one of the manatees in the Adopt-A-Manatee® program, gave birth to a little calf at Blue Spring State Park, located in Orange City, Florida.

It is not unusual for female manatees to seek quiet, sheltered areas to give birth. On Monday, August 10th, a very pregnant Phyllis came into Blue Spring and “camped” at the boil area of the spring. For the next few days, Phyllis was monitored by staff from Blue Spring State Park, Save the Manatee Club, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute. Volunteers with the Manatee Observation Program helped to discourage any manatee harassment and keep the area quiet.

We believe this is Phyllis’ 16th calf in about 29 years, but we don’t currently know if the calf is a boy or girl. Her first calves were in 1991, when she gave birth to twins, which is a rare event for manatees. Phyllis is a regular visitor to Blue Spring State Park in the winter, where she is also known for looking after and nursing other young manatees. Click the following link to learn more about Phyllis.

Please remember to observe manatees from a distance, give them space, and never separate a mother from her calf. Calves depend on their mothers for up to two years.