Garth Rattray | How now, sea cow – Part Two

I vividly recall being aware of the elusive manatee when I was a child. Incredibly, ancient sailors used to mistake the manatees for mythical mermaids. Several indigenous people of West Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America believe that manatees are powerful water spirits, and hold them sacred. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Maya believed the manatee possessed supernatural powers and used their parts in some religious ceremonies.

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