Feeding the Manatees

I had a day to myself after the expedition ended so arranged to go to the Manatee Rescue Center in Iquitos.

The “taxi” that took us there (three other volunteers went with me) was fun. Everybody over there drives motorcycles or walks – there are hardly any cars at all. So, the motorcycle had this contraption attached to the back that had a seat and a cover. You crawl in and sit down, and the driver takes off.

As seems to be the norm for third-world countries, there is no such thing as “your side and my side” on the roads. Nor are there any limitations on how many vehicles can be squeezed in to the lanes. Stoplights are optional, as is anything coming close to a speed limit. Helmets and rear-view mirrors are optional, as well.

I laughed the whole way there and back.

“There” was what looked like a military compound, with office buildings situated inside a gated enclosure. Back in the back, we descended down some very steep steps to the pools where they kept the manatees.

First, we got to see the nursery where they keep the babies. They had one at the time who was 2 months old and still being bottle fed. She was an orphan whose mother had been shot (hunting manatees still happens, apparently, even though they are an endangered species).

Then we moved on to the weaning pool, where they had two older manatees that were learning how to eat solid foods. We got to feed them even! They are such beautiful creatures with the most interesting noses. They actually have two fingers on their nose that helps them eat the plants.

Last but not least, we went outside and saw the pond where 5 adults were waiting to be relocated out into the reserve. This was a hands-off pool that was “au-natural” so that they’re ready for the wild outdoors. Unfortunately, that meant that we couldn’t even see them – except for the bubbles when they breathed – because the water is very murky. But it was nice to know that they had 5 of them ready to be released again. That means the program is working!