Tiergarten Nürnberg

Favourite pastime: eating

These vegetarians spend most of their day eating. In shallow waters they graze on underwater pastures. They need to ensure they get enough nutrients and energy for their massive body. Therefore, manatees need to eat up to 15% of their body weight in plants every day.

Gentle giants in danger

Manatees are social creatures and live in groups of up to 100 animals. They don’t have natural enemies. Their biggest threat is boats. Propellers can cause serious injury that can result in death.