Kobees Blog

Scientists Report Stokes the Manatee Missing GPS!

05/26/2015

Three Sisters Springs, Citrus County, during 2015 manatee aerial survey Photo credit (FWC) I just learned from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission that my manatee buddy, Stokes, is missing his GPS tracker! Stokes actually wears a belt with a tether, which...

Kobee Manatee: Heading Home to Florida Wins “Children’s Educational” Category in the 2015 International Book Awards!

05/22/2015

I have some great news for you! My children’s book just took top honors in the “Children’s Educational” category in the 2015 International Book Awards! Time for a BIG seagrass party:) I’m told that they had over 1200 entries, and it was...

Fort Lauderdale Female Manatee Rescued!

05/13/2015

Photo credit (Amy Beth Bennett) Yikes…It was a close call for one of my manatee friends who unfortunately got caught in a pump station by Fort Lauderdale’s New River! As she swam through the structure, a grate blocked her path. Then when...

Are Florida Manatees Enjoying Winter in Cuba?

05/07/2015

In an earlier blog, I discussed the great news that the manatee population in Florida has been slowing increasing over this past year. Cheers! Now – here’s where it gets even more interesting… …Are some of us friendly manatees vacationing in Cuba...

Agencies predict more Boats in Water this Season!

04/30/2015

Because of increased watercraft traffic forecasted this season, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with other local Florida agencies helping to protect us endangered manatees. The beautiful waterways in Jacksonville total an amazing 125 square miles. With that amount of water...

Manatees Spotted in the Harris Chain of Lakes!

04/23/2015

It sure looks like a few manatees other than myself, enjoy going out on adventures! Cpl. Matt Farner, in charge of the Lake County sheriff’s marine-patrol unit has been on the Harris Chain of Lakes in roles of a deputy, a fisherman,...

Leonardo DiCaprio Creates Belize Eco-Resort for Manatees and Humans!

04/16/2015

An updated rendering of Blackadore Caye resort. Credit McLennan Design Golden Globe Award-Winner and environmental activist, Leonardo DiCaprio, is currently planning an extraordinary eco-resort for both humans and manatees! It will be called Blackadore Caye. Slated to open in 2018, it...

Manatee Collisions with Watercraft are Down!

04/07/2015

It’s time to celebrate again! Watercraft collisions with manatees are down this season! Our manatee season closed on March 31st when the slow-speed zones for us ended. We’re now heading out into the open waters eating seagrass and enjoying much larger real...

Happy Manatee Appreciation Day!

03/25/2015

Hey – it’s time to celebrate! Today, March 25th is Manatee Appreciation Day! I’ve made a giant seagrass cake to celebrate this awesome occasion! Manatee Appreciation Day is dedicated to raising awareness about us manatees. Manatee celebrations occur in Florida, the Caribbean,...

Fed Agency Under Fire for Manatee Interaction

03/19/2015

Manatee interaction at Three Sisters Springs in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Photo Courtesy Scott Audette/Reuters Manatee interaction looks gentle enough at Three Sisters Springs in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. And I’m told the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service...