Manatee or manatí?

The word "manatee" originates from the Spanish word manatí according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary although the true origination may date from the native Puerto Rican Taíno people whose translation means big (ma) chest (natí). A city named Manatí is located on the north central coast of Puerto Rico (named "Boriken" prior to Spanish discovery) where the name of this marine mammal, "alude directamente al nombre indígena de la ciudad", alludes to the indigenous name of the City.

Physical Characteristics External features Skeleton Internal organs             Manatee-cam at Homosassa Springs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For more information, contact the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department’s Natural Resources Planning and Management Division at 954-519-1284.