Weighing up to 1,300 pounds, the gentle manatee looks far more daunting than it truly is. How can we protect this peaceful "sea cow," which has been endangered by habitat loss and watercraft collisions? Thankfully, legal action has ensured that manatee populations are beginning to revive. In this text, readers will learn what manatees need to survive, how they contribute to their ecosystems, and what activities threaten their survival. Equipped with a greater awareness of the animal, young conservation advocates will be called to action to defend the manatee and its habitats. A useful timeline of events, educational sidebars, and powerful photographs enrich the reading experience.