West Indian manatee mother and baby Nov 8, 2023

Manatees have a fascinating history that spans millions of years. They are closely related to elephants and can be traced back to the Eocene era (about 56 to 33.9 million years ago), making them one of the oldest mammals on Earth. These slow-moving herbivores have, over time, adapted to life in warm, coastal waters. Known for their friendly demeanor and unique whiskered faces, these sleepy creatures have always been welcoming towards humans. Sadly, they have been exposed to various threats, such as habitat loss and boat collisions, due to which raising awareness has become essential. So, if you visit Crystal River and come across a West Indian manatee, we encourage you to take a moment to appreciate them, but from a distance.

© Karine Aigner/Tandem Stills + Motion

palette

Today in History

Nov 8, 2024Glacial rivers, Iceland
Nov 8, 2025Bandon Beach in Bandon, Oregon, United States

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jul 31, 2025Kalalau Beach on the Nā Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii, United States
Feb 28, 2025Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Bhutan
Jul 12, 2024Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
May 31, 2024Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Mar 15, 2025The Temple of Saturn, Rome, Italy
Oct 21, 2025Cap dAntibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte dAzur, France
Oct 22, 2025Belogradchik Rocks, Bulgaria
Nov 25, 2025Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
Oct 16, 2025Eurasian lynx, Siberia
Nov 20, 2024Pont de pierre, Bordeaux, France
Feb 15, 2025Icicles of Misotsuchi, Chichibu, Japan
Jun 13, 2025Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Oct 20, 2025Hoffmanns two-toed sloth
Jun 4, 2025Moritzburg Castle, Saxony, Germany
Aug 9, 2025Letters Square Roundabout, Manaus, Brazil
Feb 24, 2024Almond trees in full bloom, California, USA
Sep 10, 2023Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
Jan 23, 2024Maldives
Dec 8, 2024Moorea, French Polynesia
Jun 3, 2024Bicycles in Copenhagen, Denmark
Oct 23, 2025Snow leopards, India
Nov 13, 2025Quiver trees, Namibia
Apr 22, 2025Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
Jan 30, 2025Rolands Breach, Spain
Nov 21, 2024Lion cubs, South Africa
Apr 9, 2025Naxos, Cyclades, Greece
Apr 8, 2025Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Italy
Oct 1, 2023Lake Bled, Slovenia
Jan 16, 2024Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
May 8, 2024Château dIf, Marseille, France