Manatees: Not the mermaids we wanted, but the ones we needed. 

Today is Manatee Appreciation Day! Once mistaken for mythical creatures, manatees are marine mammals part of a small group known as "Sirenia,” a name which comes from the Sirens of ancient Greek mythology. Spending most of their time traveling, resting, or eating seagrass, manatees help maintain healthy marine ecosystems by keeping aquatic vegetation in check. This is why they’re sometimes dubbed the “lawn mowers of the sea.” 

Unfortunately, all three extant manatee species are vulnerable to extinction—and these graceful sea critters require additional protection from major threats like habitat destruction and collisions with boats and ships.

Photo: David Hinkel, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons 

@coldtoastieboi HAPPY MANATEE APPREICATION DAY EVERYBODY =D!!!! (it's a real Holiday apparently...)

@coldtoastieboi HAPPY MANATEE APPREICATION DAY EVERYBODY =D!!! ...It's A real Holiday apparently