Monday, August 15, 2016

Missing for a century, manatees re-settle in Caribbean

Source Website: http://news.asiaone.com/news/world/missing-century-manatees-re-settle-caribbean
By Agence France-Presse, AFP, Friday, 12 August 2016
 

Two Singapore-born manatees which were flown halfway around the world this week under a programme to restore Caribbean populations of the endangered sea cows are settling in well in Guadeloupe, their carers said.
PHOTO: Two Singapore-born manatees which were flown halfway around the world this week under a programme to restore Caribbean populations of the endangered sea cows are settling in well in Guadeloupe, their carers said.
Photo: AFP
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZIAPyO5dlHjSiz9yd88UAl6HGnDUcsm5_RAz3gjQca0KjUiIiiQuqLHo2Nq_WsyoLmR9XzUrMmGOc9gke9l3FgB6Woj_Z1_7aPXbzAUKB4oJhZ35p7eUo5DERM8yzQyEy3q9wc_HitE/s1600/manatees_afp.jpg
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Pointe-à-Pitre - Two Singapore-born manatees which were flown halfway around the world this week under a programme to restore Caribbean populations of the endangered sea cows are settling in well in Guadeloupe, their carers said.

The giant, slow-moving, whiskered herbivores became extinct in the French overseas territory in the early 20th century.

Kai, seven, and Junior, six, were both born and bred at Singapore Zoo.


The giant, slow-moving, whiskered herbivores, Kai, seven, and Junior, six, were both born and bred at Singapore Zoo.
 
On Monday, the two were flown 19,600 kilometres (12,200 miles) to their new tropical home, where the gentle sloth-like male mammals received a rapturous welcome.

Guadeloupe National Park said Thursday the pair, who were regularly sprayed with water during their 34-hour journey in open-top crates, were "doing well" after their voyage.


A worker of the accommodation centre of Blachon for manatees in Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin in Guadeloupe.
PHOTO: A worker of the accommodation centre of Blachon for manatees in Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin in Guadeloupe.
On Monday, the two were flown 19,600 kilometres (12,200 miles) to their new tropical home, where the gentle sloth-like male mammals received a rapturous welcome.
Photo Source: Wildlife Reserves Singapore, The Straits Times, gettyimages (Helene Valenzuela)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykvhgQro93nyJf05tyUqGNUcm3jjc1GQ4senNKfeHqEyQSVk7eSr1VDPkk2YcYgwNiyCY3Q6boO20On0MGbQK2XEGacmlu-knkc9SRh618-TFmUwkFCV7sH430x1-6ck0TJ8a1vktd-Y/s1600/588295036.jpg
http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/worker-of-the-accommodation-centre-of-blachon-for-manatees-in-grand-picture-id588295036 - (588295036.jpg)
http://www.gettyimages.fr/


"The first signs are positive," one of their minders said.

"They are starting to interact with their carers and to feed and keep hydrated," he told reporters.


Kai and Junior are starting to interact with their carers and to feed and keep hydrated, which are positive sign.

PHOTO: Kai and Junior are starting to interact with their carers and to feed and keep hydrated, which are positive sign.
Photo by Reinhard Dirscherl - Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk, Palau
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-h8QJ8-uY9Ax5Lw38ZU9rPfueZ6DrXi207RGkIYEG4TKe-EH6LDnYDG4Eg0atNx9Xh5LsQQSCX-0rMAj0L7IB2K0oZp4oB9iplZS6HxGM47ncORtuBO8hqU4rBUWQcn_aXJz6QqRG2g/s1600/jellyfish-lake-snorkel-trip.jpg
http://www.sportdiver.com/sites/sportdiver.com/files/styles/large_1x_/public/jellyfish-lake-snorkel-trip.jpg?itok=Se_MADvH
http://www.sportdiver.com/50-ways-play-scuba-diving-travel-best-fun-trips-activities#page-7


The new arrivals, who weigh between 500 kilogrammes and 700 kg (1,100 and 1,540 pounds), were released into Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, a 15,000-hectare (37,000-acre) protected bay, where they are expecting company shortly.

Over the next five years they will be joined by 13 other manatees supplied by zoos around the world, 10 of which will be female.


Over the next five years they will be 13 other manatees supplied by zoos around the world, 10 of which will be female.

PHOTO: Over the next five years they will be 13 other manatees supplied by zoos around the world, 10 of which will be female.
Photo by Brandon Cole - Scuba diving with manatees in Florida's Crystal River
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BKo3aJnfTku48fRtDKTOXxn47fNiP-gUQD0HmZC-ARyTiR0VAl1H8d0EHkfQ1HQkz758KjA6xeOF6jDrSE4hTrsT22TlgoX5QEoWn029pYA1rJPzm4drJqvaOZ6YhU940PV_hBlAzXU/s1600/scuba-diving-manatee.jpg
http://www.sportdiver.com/sites/sportdiver.com/files/styles/large_1x_/public/images/2016/01/scuba-diving-manatee.jpg?itok=JcutMwDg
http://www.sportdiver.com/50-ways-play-scuba-diving-travel-best-fun-trips-activities#page-7


Any offspring from the group will be released into the wild.

Kai and Junior's arrival is the culmination of a decade-long effort to reintroduce the aquatic giants behind mermaid myths - perhaps because they rise out of the water and can turn their heads - that hit several snags along the way.

The first specimens had been expected to arrive from Brazil in 2014 but Brazil backed out of the agreement in 2015, leaving Guadeloupe high and dry.


A picture taken on 10 August 2016 shows the accommodation centre of Blachon for manatees in Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin in Guadeloupe.
PHOTO: A picture taken on 10 August 2016 shows the accommodation centre of Blachon for manatees in Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin in Guadeloupe.
Kai and Junior's arrival is the culmination of a decade-long effort to reintroduce the aquatic giants behind mermaid myths - perhaps because they rise out of the water and can turn their heads.
Photo by AFP
Picture posted by on 12/08/2016 at 12:14
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGke1bpDSeDg0MFOfBYmBq8y4p56K-pUM0p9-Th68qcseitUVv6gVkm0rDNx7X62WzSHQMu74LL0n0y4YZM9dSXwGnxIssHieBmJDOICSUK_BDilBJ7-wBmWhrgGm9sq2BliyTTDBV0k/s1600/10-2016_2_1400_933.jpg
http://img.aws.la-croix.com/2016/08/12/1300781858/bassin-acclimatation-installe-centre-Blachon-Grand-Cul-Sac-Marin-Guadeloupeaccueillir-Kai-Junior-10-2016_2_1400_933.jpg
http://www.la-croix.com/France/Les-lamantins-sont-de-retour-en-Guadeloupe-apres-10-ans-d-effort-2016-08-12-1300781858


Known locally as "maman d'lo" or mother of the sea, West Indian manatees were an important part of the French territory's ecology before being hunted to extinction in the early 1900s.

A mammal that can grow to up to 4.5 metres (15 feet) in length, the species inhabits warm coastal waters, mangrove swamps and estuaries where it grazes on plants.

The manatee is listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.


The manatee is listed as 'vulnerable' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.

PHOTO: The manatee is listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.
Guadeloupe National Park said that any offspring from the group, supplied by zoos around the world will be released into the wild.
Photo Source: Wildlife Reserves Singapore, The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHTDUb0QfYwAvRWluzyzt1qXaEUeLcGapneESWNgnL-5350HuFafeyb6JmrLdc7x8RFvqOvy4ZYEsJ8wJ5Uxj2HPcGdOSybWZ_yFjx7q0mZGJtCKA4rufE3sPnGH_R08JuK9HBkmAgyY/s1600/manatees_1.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/515x370/public/original_images/Aug2016/manatees_1.jpg?itok=yLos8CRa
http://news.asiaone.com/news/world/missing-century-manatees-re-settle-caribbean


Discussion of the repopulation programme started in 2007 and included educating the Guadeloupe public about the animals, US-based project consultant Ray Ball told AFP.

"You can't reintroduce an animal species to a country if the people don't want it," he said.

Kai and Junior, whose ancestors came from across the Caribbean in Guyana, were donated by Singapore Zoo.


Kai and Junior ancestors came from across the Caribbean in Guyana

PHOTO: Kai and Junior ancestors came from across the Caribbean in Guyana
The holding area in which the manatees are trained individually for routine medical screening and the baby manatees are fed.
Photo Source: Wildlife Reserves Singapore, The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJpeF12-sWGnU9u3MYO1eoWmh8jtacKKA7aYv-JnZK3550s3F4udkTDmQitq8c0zagLqOMXWe99hU8x247gUioQaPo0axDmjRfPB7OW1ep9MwJ_D93ffX5W-LdeE_M7oXrf_pJU6dro0/s1600/IMG_5372.jpg
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Feeding the baby manatee in the holding area in Singapore Zoo.

PHOTO: Feeding the baby manatee in the holding area in Singapore Zoo.
Photo Source: AsiaOne
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDhhlnyJukP4gstxYyXsM0nY8dVODatKg4xFFByH0l2ArjNQMBZryS1_imA-3tmtClf2Hxala_02pF_6Gu_1f3iKipJJ4Vf1tDRrbZjLgRhLYSKSUOUP7YwAb8tzRkr8U0K6B8Dq-JIg/s1600/IMG_5383.jpg
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"We never thought we'd have to go that far for them," Herve Magnin, head of the heritage department at Guadeloupe National Park said.

Relief over their arrival was palpable in Guadeloupe, which had feared any further delays to starting the programme would jeopardise 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million) in funding from the European Union, the project's main backer.


Relief over their arrival was palpable in Guadeloupe.
PHOTO: Relief over their arrival was palpable in Guadeloupe. Any further delays to starting the programme would jeopardise 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million) in funding from the European Union, the project's main backer.
Manatees are commonly referred to as sea cows. They’re close relatives of the dugong, which frequents the mangroves. They’re generally slow, docile, solitary animals and they spend up to 50% of the day asleep fully submerged. The rest of their time is largely spent grazing in reasonably shallow waters. It’s not difficult to find a tour company to take you to see the manatees.
Picture posted by Arianwen Morris on 22 February 2015 - Snorkeling Tour
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http://beyondblighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/001-g.jpg
http://beyondblighty.com/a-new-one-for-the-bucket-list-swim-with-manatees-in-belize/


Magnin said the delays in getting the manatees to Guadeloupe had also made it a battle to keep people involved in project "Life Sirenia" motivated.

"We needed animals," he said Guadeloupe is now in discussions with Mexico, Guyana and Colombia on receiving other manatees in the coming months.


We needed animals
PHOTO: "We needed animals," Magnin said Guadeloupe is now in discussions with Mexico, Guyana and Colombia on receiving other manatees in the coming months.
If you’re really lucky, you might even see them courting. Manatees typically breed only once every two years and it’s rare to see them in pairs or groups. The double hug below was a phenomenon even professionals were unfamiliar with.
Picture posted by Arianwen Morris on 22 February 2015 - Manatees
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfOTHQ6kk2Ys9pCXxfvILSkk8CN94cN94SWyHpIVIMApjCBtqjo9n_xEehkOkj2NgfjGDL4e6B4B6T5syTB_DUqJpTBWUBI3UjfDjWSOnkjZ6HxXj1NdxQZMYEWMRuMt_oeIrka5FN-A/s1600/001-j.jpg
http://beyondblighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/001-j.jpg
http://beyondblighty.com/a-new-one-for-the-bucket-list-swim-with-manatees-in-belize/


The national park's director, Maurice Anselme, said the aim was to have a broad selection of specimens "to avoid inbreeding and have a healthy herd."


The national park's director, Maurice Anselme, said the aim was to have a broad selection of specimens 'to avoid inbreeding and have a healthy herd.'
PHOTO: The national park's director, Maurice Anselme, said the aim was to have a broad selection of specimens "to avoid inbreeding and have a healthy herd."
Picture posted by David Beard ‏@dabeard (Twitter) on  11 August 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_BuvaFwabgvtAg_zLcxQZ49aF7Rse1CChF9AT7fllPqw9K6rKTSyAm76Fm1YZWEt7vDBRWyIeFNxGKHFsqS0VvRVuVIGBVLMn4SLbh8kh4QxbJECHTsxUmLM3xFdcoCveC8SrBMOTw0/s1600/CpqlCAiWYAAM_BK.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpqlCAiWYAAM_BK.jpg
https://twitter.com/dabeard


Take me home!
PHOTO: "Take me home!"
Mermaids, Sea Cows, Gentle Giants, the West Indian manatee goes by many names. These slow moving giants love to hang out in 4-9 feet of water and are quite accessible to underwater photographers.
Don’t chase the manatees. They will come to you or at some point just stop moving. The juveniles are especially friendly! You have to be with someone who knows the local rules for the best opportunity to photograph a Mermaid.
Posted by Stanley Bysshe - Diving With Mermaids
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http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/images/Articles/Stanley_Bysshe/9-Photographer-Love.jpg
http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/diving-with-mermaids


Mermaids

罗宾 (Luō bīn) Robin - 挥不去的思念 (Huī bù qù de sī niàn) - Never stop missing you 
Source Website (Lyrics): http://geci.9ku.com/geci/299/298100.htm
Source Website (Song): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CXQXeGXTFA
Published by Robin Ng on 1 August 2012

歌曲(gē qǔ) Song: 挥不去的思念 (Huī bù qù de sī niàn) - Never stop missing you
歌手(gē shǒu) Singer: 罗宾 (Luō bīn) Robin
提供者(tí​ gōng​ zhě) Provider: 专辑:快乐巨星 百万畅销曲 (Zhuān jí: Kuài lè jù xīng bǎi wàn chàng xiāo qū) - Happy superstar one million-selling song
作曲(zuò​ qǔ) Composer, Music: -
编辑(Biān jí) Editor: 刘义中 (Liú yì zhōng)
作词(zuò cí) Lyrics: -

------------☆☆------------

(女) 纵然如今已对不住 - (Female) Even up to now I am sorry
(Nǚ) zòng rán rú jīn yǐ duì bù zhù

往后日子我会记祝福你 - From now on I will remember to bless you
Wǎng hòu rì zi wǒ huì jì zhù fú nǐ

永远都记得 - I will always remember
Yǒng yuǎn dōu jì dé

(男) 没有所谓烦恼忧愁 - (Male) There is no comparable upset and sadness
(Nán) méi yǒu suǒ wèi fán nǎo yōu chóu

没有所谓黑夜白昼 - No such thing as the night and day
Méi yǒu suǒ wèi hēi yè bái zhòu

留下阴影在心中 - Left a shadow in my heart
Liú xià yīn yǐng zài xīn zhōng

挥之不去你的笑容 - Unable to forget your lingering smile
Huī zhī bù qù nǐ de xiào róng

叫我何去何从 - Tell me what to do
Jiào wǒ hé qù hé cóng

留在身边都是思念 - What is left behind is still missing you
Liú zài shēn biān dōu shì sī niàn

在这没有你的日子 - During these days without you
Zài zhè méi yǒu nǐ de rì zi

为你唱出这首歌 - Sing this song for you
Wèi nǐ chàng chū zhè shǒu gē

亲爱你是否可曾听到 - Dear, can you hear
Qīn'ài nǐ shì fǒu kě céng tīng dào

我悠悠的歌声 - My miserable voice
Wǒ yōu yōu de gē shēng

与你相逢在梦中 - Only meet you in my dream
Yǔ nǐ xiāng féng zài mèng zhōng

往日片断拥上你心头 - Holding on fragments of your heart from the past
Wǎng rì piàn duàn yōng shàng nǐ xīn tóu

与你许下的海誓山盟 - And your promises between us
Yǔ nǐ xǔ xià dì hǎi shì shān méng

如今早已消失在风中 - But today all have already disappeared in the wind
Rú jīn zǎo yǐ xiāo shī zài fēng zhōng

(合) 让我为你写一首诗 - (Together) Let me write you a poem
(Hé) ràng wǒ wèi nǐ xiě yī shǒu shī

诗中有你的影子 - Poem with your shadow
Shī zhōng yǒu nǐ de yǐng zi

纵然如今已对不住 - Even up to now I am sorry
Zòng rán rú jīn yǐ duì bù zhù

往后日子我会记祝福你 - From now on I will remember to bless you
Wǎng hòu rì zi wǒ huì jì zhù fú nǐ

永远都记得 - I will always remember
Yǒng yuǎn dōu jì dé

------------☆☆------------


罗宾 (Luō bīn) Robin - 挥不去的思念 (Huī bù qù de sī niàn) - Never stop missing you

From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CXQXeGXTFA



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