Manatees in Orlando
Manatees are huge marine animals, who's direct ancestry dates back to the dinosaur age. These gentle giants weigh up to a whopping 1500 pounds, and can be found in warm tropical and subtropical waters, from the Caribbean to the coasts of Africa. Many make their home in the waters off the coast of Florida. Manatees are around 10 feet in length, with a streamlined body and grayish-brown coloring. They have large pectoral flippers, similar to those of a seal, and a large, paddle-like tail.

The scientific name of manatees is Sirenia, named after the birdlike, partly-human woman in Greek myths who would sing from the rocks on the ocean, luring men to their deaths. Sirens have become synonymous with the legendary mermaid in more modern times, which ties the manatees in yet again: in earlier centuries, sailors would claim to see mermaids in the ocean during their voyages. Modern speculation is that what they were actually seeing was a manatee, who's mermaid-like tails would lead sailors to confuse these animals with mermaids when they broke the surface of the water.

In recent years during the winter, hundreds of manatees migrate from the chilly waters of the Gulf of Mexico to Kings Bay, Florida, where they try to find shelter in this warmer water. Kings Bay has since become an increasingly popular tourist destination for those wanting to find out more about these amazing animals.