Hi! My name is Lauren. I was 12 years old in this picture. I have been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. Whether surrounded by kittens on my grandpa's farm, riding horses while vacationing, overturning rocks to search for lizards, visiting the zoo, or caring for my own pet dog and rabbit...I feel a bond with each creature.
When I was in 3rd grade, I was given a "Character Quality" Award for having a "Reverence for God's World". Animals have been the subjects for most of my artwork, and some of my collections.
My first love was for the lion. From the time I was 4 years old and saw them perform in a small circus, I have been fascinated by these majestic creatures. I have a growing collection of lions, and one of my all time favorite stories is The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
While vacationing with my family in Florida, I met a new animal friend; a graceful and "Gentle Giant"...the manatee. I was privileged to pet and interact with several in the wild. They were friendly and gently playful, gliding slowly through the water next to the boat dock where I'd come to meet them. They loved to drink the fresh, cool water trickling from a garden hose dangled over the dock's edge - this seemed to be what attracted them most; but they also behaved as though they enjoyed the attention we gave them. I came to the dock several times to sit with them for an hour or more. While drinking the cool water, they would often roll lazily onto their backs, leaving their smooth, round bellies above the surface of the water waiting for a bit of caressing. This may have been part of their natural behavior, but my imagination led me to believe that they were becoming as fond of me as I was of them. My parents sometimes tell me I have an overactive imagination, but without it, life would sometimes be pretty boring. I quickly grew to love these animals. They are beautiful in an odd way...like a huge, blubbery mermaid.
Five to six manatees of all sizes gathered at the dock during my several visits. I recognized them by their individual characteristics; some had a thick covering of barnacles firmly attached to their backs (I named one "Barney"), some had the scars of a boat propellar injury, one had a nick in his tail probably caused by a boat propellar, one was huge and fat, and one was a baby.
During one visit, for a brief few moments, I slipped into the water with a life jacket on to float with the manatees...to feel extra close to them. They didn't seem to mind...in fact my huge, fat friend swam up under me, giving me a momentary ride.
I rated my few hours on this dock with the manatees as one of my best experiences during my Florida vacation...maybe even surpassing my day at Disney World. I may even go on to say that this was one of my best experiences ever.
The last thing I did before leaving Florida was say good-bye to the manatees. My parents drove me to the dock where I could find them, and I sat there one last time. I hated to leave. My treasured Florida souvenier is a silver manatee necklace that I will wear as a frequent reminder of my "Gentle Giant" friends. My swim with the manatees will be in my dreams and my memories forever!
Story by Lauren & Mom
My special adopted manatee |
| HOWIE is a sleek, large (1,350 lbs.) male, known to winter at Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, Florida
since 1971. One of Howie's favorite activities is to tip the research
canoe -- complete with researchers! |
A Note From Mom:
This seemingly simple experience was a beautiful one for my daughter, Lauren. I
could see it in her eyes...the sheer pleasure and love for these marine mammals
It was touching for me, and I believe for others on that dock, to witness how she derived such great pleasure from being with these irresistible giant creatures. Although we have since learned that it is not recommended to have such close contact with them (which may cause them to lose their fear of humans), her extraordinary, brief contact may be beneficial to the cause of protecting the endangered manatees. This one experience will likely be what fosters a desire in her to learn more about the manatee. Perhaps she will use them as subjects in her artwork, become a spokesperson who educates others on the need to protect their well being, or become a future marine biologist as a result of her inspirational experience.
Manatee painting by Lauren
oil pastel - Sept. 1999
|
inspired by an original oil painting
"Manatee Haven" by Sherry Vintson
Lauren's Art
to bookmark this site 
for links to more wildlife 
This Wildlife Ring site is owned by 
This Endangered Species Webring site is owned by 
