Have T@b will travel: A day with the Manatees!

In a far off remote south east corner of Tampa sits the Big Bend Power Station…….

OK, actually at first glance pulling up to the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing centre we were a little put off… We have arrived to come witness the strangely beautiful and endangered marine mammal, the Manatee, but we are at the door step of this ominous structure. As we approach the centre we begin to read more information about the power plant and learn that it is actually quite responsible, abiding by strict environmental regulations, and in partnership with the Florida Aquarium, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Next door to the power plant is a large water canal where the plant takes saltwater to cool the machinery and then discharges the warmed water back into the canal. This is where the Manatees come for refuge when the seawater goes below 68 degrees. We expected to get a glance at one or two Manatees but we were in awe of the large numbers… possibly a 100 or more, not to mention the sharks and other sea life and birds. It was amazing!! The Manatee sometimes known as a sea cow can grow up to 13 feet long and up to 1300 pounds and are known to live up to 60 years. Half of a Manatees day is spent sleeping in the water, but don't under estimate them, their intelligence has been compared to the dolphin! Ok, enough of my babbling, if you would like to learn more about this creature and why they are listed as vulnerable to extinction, you know what to do! Google!