Florida Manatees

Part of the America’s Animal Comebacks series, this accessible title discusses the environmental threats facing the Florida manatee and the efforts that saved this appealing sea creature from extinction. Once hunted for food and clothing, manatees face even graver dangers in today’s environment, including motorboats, fishing nets, and a scarcity of readily available food. Goldish highlights the activism of government officials, conservationists, and concerned citizens in manatee rescue campaigns as well as the ways manatees themselves have adapted to their changing habitat. Double-page spreads feature attention-grabbing fact boxes and large, full-color photos of manatees and the humans who work with them. Concluding pages warn that although manatees are slowly increasing in number, there is still much to be done to protect these endearing, gentle giants. A good choice for budding conservationists, animal enthusiasts, and report writers, all of whom will appreciate the appended glossary and brief bibliography.