Manatee gift adoptions from Save the Manatee Club are a way to protect endangered manatees and their aquatic habitat, and also a way to let your loved ones see that your heart is in the right place this Valentine’s Day.
Jennifer Vogel, recently retired from a long career of practicing law, and who currently resides in Texas, adopted a manatee for her husband, John, last Valentine’s Day. “We had just decided to spend part of the summer in the Florida Keys so my two daughters could become certified scuba divers,” said Jennifer. “I have always loved manatees, and the whole family knew how excited I was about the possibility of seeing one on our trip. Adopting a real manatee was the perfect way to make our trip more meaningful.”
Thirty-three manatees are featured in Save the Manatee Club’s adoption programs, including two new manatees, Bama and Zewie, who spend the summer months in Alabama waters. Jennifer chose Brutus for her husband from the adoption program at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida. “The choice was easy,” Jennifer explained. “I loved the very macho name for such a gentle, giant creature.”
Tax-deductible gift adoptions from Save the Manatee Club cost $25 and include a color photo, biography, and adoption certificate of the manatee who is chosen. Also included is a fact-filled membership handbook, subscriptions to the Club’s official quarterly newsletter, The Manatee Zone, and the bi-monthly e-newsletter, Paddle Tales, and a year’s membership in Save the Manatee Club. A personalized Valentine’s Day gift card comes with each adoption, and shipping is free within the United States. An 8-inch manatee plush toy is included with every gift adoption of $35 or more
Funds from the adoption program help in the protection of manatees and their ecosystems. Save the Manatee Club is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit conservation organization, established in 1981 by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, and former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham. This past year the Club assisted with rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts in America and abroad; helped to expand and protect the manatee’s winter warm-water habitat; obtained improved boat speed zones in areas frequented by manatees; and conducted research on boater compliance in Kings Bay, Crystal River, Florida to obtain improved protection measures there. The Club raises public awareness; educates; advocates; and supports conservation efforts in other countries.
Patrick Rose, Aquatic Biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club, said that despite the immense problems facing manatees, there is hope. “As long as people continue to support strong manatee and habitat protection measures, manatees have a chance,” said Rose.
Jennifer Vogel and her family are among the many who advocate for the manatees. “The manatee is one of America’s treasures,” she remarked. “What I love about Save the Manatee Club is that they help you feel personally connected to the manatees through their real live manatee adoption program, and regular updates let you know how the manatees are doing.”
Care to adopt a manatee this Valentine’s Day? Visit Save the Manatee Club’s website at www.savethemanatee.org, or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646). Also, sign up for the Club’s free E-Newsletter.
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