For the first time this year, over 150 manatees will make their way to campus as part of Whitman’s Manatee Program which pairs Whitman students with at-risk manatees.
The program was started by Environmental-Biology student Trish Echida as part of her senior project.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been in love with the docile but majestic manatee. Now I really have the chance to give back and make a difference.”
Echida designed the project as an outreach program for the at-risk mammals.
“Most people know that manatees are an endangered species. They’ve heard about habitat degradation and speedboat collisions. What they don’t know is the vicious social cycle that results from these conditions and feeds their at-risk behavior. We’re here to raise awareness and show these manatees that someone out there cares about them.”
Population density due to habitat destruction has made ghettos of their marshy homes. Additionally, manatees are often teased and harassed by their more lovable dolphin cousins. Such harassment, paired with the pressure of their poor living conditions, drives these gentle creatures to self-destructive behavior. They get involved with drugs and gangs. Even pups become ensnared in this vicious cycle, becoming seaweed runners and intentionally seeking scars from close encounters with boats to make themselves look “more badass.”
The Manatee Program has paired Whitman students with some of these pups. Students have been writing letters and video chatting their marine pen pals since the beginning of the semester.
“Corresponding with my manatee Shannon has been a really rewarding experience,” said first-year Del Day. “In addition to making me aware of the manatee’s plight, it’s taught me how to be a supportive role model.”
“Eeeee ee eeeeeeeeeeeee,” shared Shannon in an e-mail.
“Manatees to Campus Day is a celebration of the bond we’ve created,” said Day. “I just hope my manatee doesn’t get the squirts when he sees the jump house.”
Echida is very excited to see her dream come to fruition.
“At first we were worried about getting funding,” conceded Echida. “But we got approval without a hitch. ASWC even offered to fly the manatees first class!”
The program is scheduled to have various games and presentations, including an instructional seminar on dodging water crafts (the next installment of the Red Dot series –– “Slow down Speed Boat”) as well as the lecture “‘Bovine of the Waves’: Reappropriating the Derogatory Term ‘Sea Cow’.”
