BigDog Speaks

Manatees are totally and completely passive animals. They have an innate curiosity that draws them to explore us as we explore them. The profit mongers have again seized the opportunity and you can now dive with the manatees. A great tourist draw that lines the pockets of many outfits who for a nominal fee, will take you and set you up to swim with the manatees.

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It's bad enough we are running them down with our boats leaving horrendous scars on the lucky ones and just chopped meat for the unlucky. We have invaded their space since everybody wants to live on the water. We are incapable of sharing their environment since we are only interested in developing it for our own purposes. What makes us thing we can swim with them and do no harm? Manatees are far cries from mermaids. They are so ugly they are cute and lovable. Unfortunately, we are very capable of loving things to death, especially if there is a profit to be made. Why can't we be satisfied viewing them from afar? Why must we get in the water with them, pat them, rub them, and effectively drive them from their chosen warm spot? Manatees NEED the warm water when it gets cold. It is crucial for their survival. Why can't we simply leave them alone? Oh, yes, profit. As long as there is money to be made, somebody is going to find a way to make it. Rhinos have horns and the horns can be sold. Elephants have tusk, and there are buyers for them. Sharks have fins and plenty of buyers for them. Manatees have an ugliness that appeals and there are folks waving their green for a chance to be up close and personal. It's too bad Manatees don't have rows and rows of great white teeth and an aggressive nature, we wouldn't be so quick to get in the water with them. Oh wait, we would probably want to eat their fins. The natural world was doing real well until WE came on the scene. Now, if there is a profit to be made, the natural world is our oyster and we are busting the shells as fast as we can shuck.