Things were slow and steady for a while here at Wildtracks, but then..

There has been quite a mix of rain and sun, going from comfortable, lovely weather back to lots of rain and cold. We've spent much more time sea-grassing in the lagoon to get enough food for the manatees, which are eating a lot more. There is a great team here right now. Then Twiggy, a manatee successfully released at the beginning of the year, came to visit. A couple of concerned citizens from the village called her in as a calf needing rescue - but it was just Twiggy, coming by to say hello! Wildtracks checked that she was in good condition, and then stationed a few volunteers to ensure no interaction between Twiggy and the villagers. She soon swam off in search of more food. Glad to see she is in good shape and doing so well!

Todd and I are learning so much here, and hope to even learn even more before we depart next month. We've now assisted with tube feeding, helped move and weigh manatees, and even know how to identify different types of vegetation that manatees like to eat. The best part is seeing the progress of the animals we care for!

Rameses was spending a lot of time in the lagoon, and enjoying it, but some fish started to pester him. With no way to keep the fish out of the natural lagoon pools, we were worried that they were hindering his progress due to their on-going persistence. But he continued eating well, and started to dive under the water more and more. It is amazing to see him under the water so often now, considering that when we first arrived he was completely floating on top of the water, trying to go under with no success. At this point, he started diving and staying under the water for several minutes at a time. And now, his entire body is under the water. Quite an amazing, quick recovery for this amazing manatee!

Rameses' progress gave us knew options. As the fish continued to pester him, we considered moving him back in with Duke. In the past, his condition wasn't good enough for him to stand his own with Duke, and Duke's frisky and friendly interactions were stressing him. He was removed, before Todd and I arrived, from Duke's pool to try again when he started regaining more of his physical health. This day has arrived! Now, they are both co-existing in the same pool and are doing very well!

Watching both of these manatees together is a true step toward their impending release back into the wild. They are learning so much from each other. Duke has started to emulate Rameses' feeding behaviors and now we are giving him much more food - more than double the amount from just a few weeks earlier! His tube feeds are now less often. We watch carefully to be sure Duke is getting enough of the food supply, and it is truly incredible to watch them feeding together. I even had one moment of getting the two of them mixed up! I saw a munching manatee and just assumed it was our chomping Rameses, but it was Duke - eating a water hyacinth like there was no tomorrow! Hurray!

Khaleesi is also on the right path. Although we haven't seen any impressive growth spurts as of yet, she is maintaining her weight and having regular sessions in the natural lagoon pool with one of Wildtrack's volunteers - including myself. We join her for a hour or more in the lagoon when the temperature is right, and it gives her lots of physical and mental stimulation - awakening her instincts and getting her used to the current, fish, and sounds of nature. This is so important! As time goes on, she is off to explore more and more of the area, following her volunteer around when she gets tired or needs a boost of security. I enjoy when she tries to hitch a ride on my back, or rests on the back of my legs during breaks between laps. (:3)

Watching the manatees here continue to improve is only fueling my passion even more for this amazing species. After hearing that Florida's manatees have reached a record death toll this year, it has become even more important to Todd and myself to continue to try and help the manatees. Every manatee counts - please be sure to visit www.savethemanatee.org for more information about the current situation and how you can help.

Also, the endangered Spider monkeys here at Wildtracks are preparing for their pre-release, and need some support and funding for their success! Please read more at http://igg.me/at/save-the-monkeys/x/2780770 - "Wildtracks Spider Monkey Appeal ... help us to take them another step towards their freedom. Every contribution is very welcome..."

Only a month left until we announce the winner of our raffle and send the winner a Manatee t-shirt. Stay tuned, and Thank you for reading! (:3)