Despite the protection of the Federal Endangered Species Act , the nation's population of manatees has suffered some serious setbacks in recent years.
The gentle but gigantic marine mammals, known by some as "sea cows", continue to be threatened by boat strikes, habitat degradation and mysterious illnesses.
Now, Emmy-award-winning television producers George St over and Scott Broom have joined with a team of biologists, veterinarians, preservationists, dive operators and divers to document dramatic and heartwarming encounters that happen when manatees and people cross paths in the wild. Florida is the backdrop for much of the action. The result will be a half-hour television documentary offered for U.S. and global distribution.
 | The dramatic rescue of a manatee clinging to life after being struck by a speeding boat. |
| Behind the scenes look at efforts of scientists trying understand a plague of manatee deaths caused by toxic algae outbreaks in Florida. |
| Heartwarming and dramatic encounters between manatees and swimmers bold enough to venture into the gentle mammals' home waters. |
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The program is being produced with the cooperation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Citrus County Department of Tourism, Sea World of Orlando, Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, local dive operators and numerous dedicated preservationists and divers.
Photos:
Click images to view larger photos
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Manatee Awareness Video Clips:
Check out the video clips we did along with
Wilderness Graphics and U.S. Fish & Wildlife
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New Awareness
Manatee Video Clip #1
Video Clip 1
Size - 1.8 MB |
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New Awareness
Manatee Video Clip #2
Video Clip 2
Size - 1.3 MB |
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New Awareness
Manatee Video Clip #3
Video Clip 3
Size - 1.3 MB |
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New Awareness
Manatee Video Clip #4
Video Clip 4
Size - 1.3 MB |
