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Manatees reproduce very slowly. A manatee couple are believed
to have only one calf every two to five years. It is also a very rare occurance for twin calfs to be born. This rate of reproduction
is very slow considering that most aquatic animals bear several children at a time much more often. Female manatees are sexually
mature around age six, and males at age nine. (2) An "attractive" female manatee may be stocked for several weeks by adult
males who want to mate with her. After conception, gestation takes about 13 months compared to the 9 months for humans. At
birth, a calf weighs about 70lbs and is approximately 50 inches long. (2)
Once
born, the mother and the calf share a strong relationship not leaving ones side. Mothers nurse their young and begin feeding
them plants when they are only a few weeks old. Calfs communicate with their mothers by continual chirps and squeaks. The
new born calfs often hold on to their mother as they swim with there flippers. The bond between the mother and calf is so
strong, many times the calf remains dependent on its mother for up to two years! (2)
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