Manatees do it too: Manatees come together in groups of 5-10 animals and have a mating orgy. This is the second time I've seen it in over 30 years of living on the water. The first...

Jimjay Loc: Weeki Wachee, Fl.

Manatees come together in groups of 5-10 animals and have a mating orgy. This is the second time I've seen it in over 30 years of living on the water. The first time I didn't have a camera.

Be aware that manatees are the probably the homeliest, most un-photogenic critters on earth. But people still love them.

Also be aware that there is not a lot of contrast in these photos between the animals and the water, so that the lens had just a bit of trouble getting good focus.

Approximately 10 shots.

(Download)

Photofortytwo Loc: England. Now living outside DC

These beautiful creatures are the origins of the Mermaid legends. Not that they are that pretty. But because of their tail.
Just an FYI. Thanks for sharing

angler Loc: StHelens England

Nice captues Jimjay and thanks for sharing,

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Must be fascinating to witness!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Jimjay wrote:

Manatees come together in groups of 5-10 animals a... (show quote)

But there's a lot of contrast in the manatees itself, - good set of pictures nonetheless!

Jimjay Loc: Weeki Wachee, Fl.

Photofortytwo wrote:

These beautiful creatures are the origins of the Mermaid legends. Not that they are that pretty. But because of their tail.
Just an FYI. Thanks for sharing

So I've heard, Photofortytwo. Thanks for the look and the comment.

Jimjay Loc: Weeki Wachee, Fl.

angler wrote:

Nice captues Jimjay and thanks for sharing,

Thank you, Angler. Appreciate the comment as always.

Jimjay Loc: Weeki Wachee, Fl.

Linda From Maine wrote:

Must be fascinating to witness!

I watched them for well over an hour, Linda. Took over 200 shots and still have not gone through them all. They drew quite an audience by the time I left. Thanks for the look and the nice comment.

1stJedi Loc: Southern Orange County

What makes you conclude that this was a mating orgy, . . . and not just a Pilates class?

Thanks for the photos.

Jimjay Loc: Weeki Wachee, Fl.

1stJedi wrote:

What makes you conclude that this was a mating orgy, . . . and not just a Pilates class?

Thanks for the photos.

lol Thanks for the look and the reply.

Camshy Loc: Erie Michigan

Jimjay wrote:

Manatees come together in groups of 5-10 animals a... (show quote)

Thanks for sharing, yeah they are pretty ugly but for some reason I find they very cool creatures!

1stJedi Loc: Southern Orange County

Camshy wrote:

Thanks for sharing, yeah they are pretty ugly but for some reason I find they very cool creatures!

Being in the water with them and having them all around and sometimes bumping into you is an AMAZING experience. These days, you have to be careful. Most state laws are VERY protective of these creatures (as they should be) and those that do allow contact, require the animal to approach the swimmer.

Jimjay Loc: Weeki Wachee, Fl.

Camshy wrote:

Thanks for sharing, yeah they are pretty ugly but for some reason I find they very cool creatures!

Thanks, Camshy. You are not alone in finding them cool critters. Most folks (me included) share your opinion.

Camshy Loc: Erie Michigan

1stJedi wrote:

Being in the water with them and having them all around and sometimes bumping into you is an AMAZING experience. These days, you have to be careful. Most state laws are VERY protective of these creatures (as they should be) and those that do allow contact, require the animal to approach the swimmer.

I bet that has to be so neat to have them swim near you. Never had the change to even see one.

Jimjay Loc: Weeki Wachee, Fl.

1stJedi wrote:

Being in the water with them and having them all around and sometimes bumping into you is an AMAZING experience. These days, you have to be careful. Most state laws are VERY protective of these creatures (as they should be) and those that do allow contact, require the animal to approach the swimmer.

I have gotten so used to seeing them that they're kinda like squirrels....just another cute animal. Although I've heard it's a real thrill, I have no real desire to swim with them. They are very slow and defenseless and definitely need the protection of state laws to prevent people from harassing them.