Manatees – Saving Florida's Gentle Giants

Despite being one of Florida's most recognisable animals, manatees remain under threat.

Anyone who encounters a manatee in Florida’s crystal-clear rivers will find a gentle animal that loves nothing more than eating seagrass. Yet the round-tailed manatees are in danger: pollution, climate change and shrinking habitats are taking their toll.
In Crystal River, algae are displacing the once-lush seagrass beds. Conservationists are fighting to restore the balance, because without seagrass, these gentle giants will starve. Despite setbacks caused by hurricanes, the project is proving successful: the seagrass is returning and with it, hope for the manatees. Breathtaking underwater footage shows why these animals are not only endangered but also a symbol of the need to protect our natural world.