In Iowa, save the manatees by spreading the word

I would like to express my support for the Manatee Protection in Florida. My family and I live in the Midwest (Cedar Rapids area). With being so far away from the ocean, I still believe we all can make a big impact on the lives of a manatee. That all starts with getting the word out. These gentle creatures have lived in Florida’s waterways for millions of years and are Florida’s state marine animal.

Many of us Midwesterners love to travel. I know many of us like to get to the ocean and enjoy the sunshine, but may not know that the manatee is even in danger. One small step to protect the manatee is to slow down in the Florida waterways where manatees live. Slowing down seems like a small thing to ask in order to be able to share the waters with these unique animals. Living in Iowa and being surrounded by corn, the manatee is not the usual charity you would think to help and be a part of. I couldn’t be more excited to share Save the Manatee Club, a great organization who is spreading the word of the manatee.

If we protect the manatees today, tomorrow we can be proud to say that we contributed to the continued existence of manatees for future generations. What a notable accomplishment that would be!

Brandi Doonan

Marion