This ocean animal is:

Tied to a Greek mythological creature,

Thought be related to elephants,

But often referred to as a cow!

Wow!

Who could it be? Let’s find out!

The manatee is an ocean animal that falls under the scientific Order Sirenia. Manatees, like other sirenia mammals, reminded scientists of the Sirens, a Greek mythological sea creature featured in Homer’s Odyssey. With their mermaid-like bodies, gentle nature and earnest vocalizations, it’s not difficult to understand why the manatees are sort of real world Sirens—many humans want to join them in the sea!

Manatees eat only vegetation and spend their entire lives in warm water. Because they have large appetites, but move slowly, manatees are no tiny animal: their average weight is over 1000 pounds! So, are manatees thought be related to elephants because of their size? Well, sort of! Scientists who study evolution and genetics have found many links suggesting that manatees may have once been land animals closely related to elephants. Through thousands of years, these curious animals are believed to have returned to life in the water and replaced their legs with paddle-like fins.  Wow!

Though gentle and even friendly creatures, manatees tend to live solitary lives foraging, exploring, and resting. Exceptions include during a young manatee’s first few years of life, when he or she will stay close to the mother. Also, sometimes small groups of manatees will travel together during migrations from cool to warm ocean waters. When together, manatees appear to have a complex communication system that uses most of the five senses and a variety of vocalizations. Also, they will play games with each other involving chase and even body surfing!

Manatees can travel easily between salt water and fresh water, and come up for air at the water’s surface, giving them access to a wide variety of aquatic vegetation in ocean bays, inlets, and even notable distances up rivers. Since they spend most of their day searching for and chowing down on plants, these mega munchers are often referred to as the “sea cow!”