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What made you decide to start volunteering with Save the Manatee Club?

Hi. My name is Cate, I live in Ashland, Oregon. I did my 8th grade project on Manatees. My mom and I traveled down to Florida so we could learn everything we could on manatees. We volunteered with Save the Manatee Club so we could see, experience, and learn how to protect these beautiful creatures. Our favorite part was seeing them in the wild at Blue Spring State Park. Having the privilege of working with Gina and seeing all that goes into protecting these animals was an experience we will never forget.

Who is your adopted manatee, and why did you choose them?

Moo Shoo: I adopted Moo Shoo because she was first spotted the year I was born. I also love how she likes to bump into the researchers’ kayaks.

Lily: I fell in love with Lily’s picture because she is so big!

We plan on adopting 4 more manatees. My mom said that she will match every manatee I adopt. I will be getting Gator and Whiskers while my mom will adopt Ariel and Betsy. Betsy is my mom’s favorite because when we saw her at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, she had a head of romaine lettuce tucked in her flipper while she was still eating more romaine on the surface of the water. She swam away from the group a bit to enjoy her snack to go.

Do you have any favorite moments or experiences while volunteering?

My favorite moment volunteering was getting to see the manatees in Blue Spring State Park. They are so big and majestic to watch swim in the water. We also saw a mom and baby manatee. The baby was so little and cute.

Tell us briefly about your hobbies, interests, career, where you’re originally from, etc.

I am from Ashland, Oregon. I am going into 8th grade, and I love making art. I like to crochet, paint, and bake. This is one of my manatee paintings.