Mote researchers study manatees 'Hugh' and 'Buffett'

Hugh and Buffett are known for being large lettuce-eating mammals that many visitors to Mote Marine Laboratory make sure to see. However, Hugh and Buffett are also participating in a major research project and are the world’s only manatees trained to participate in detailed behavioral research.

Joe Gaspard, Mote’s Manatee Care, Training and Research coordinator, and his team are currently working with Hugh and Buffett thanks to a $450,000 grant from the National Science Foundation

The Mote team has trained the manatees to respond to a device that sends out a vibration into the water; they respond accordingly to vibrations by waiting with their snouts stationed at a special bar, then touch a nearby yellow paddle when they feel the sensation in the water. Sometimes, the Mote team wraps the manatees in special neoprene wraps that only allow the vibration to hit a specific patch of skin or one specific hair.

Gaspard has been working with the Mote manatees for 13 years, 11 of which have involved this research, and he hopes that through the research they learn more about the manatees’ senses, specifically their sense of touch, which will help Mote understand how manatees navigate their environment. He hopes the information can be used to help gain insight as to how to protect the manatees that are in the wild.

The manatees are cared for daily by the staff and interns. While one manatee is participating in the research, the other manatee works on husbandry. This is the time when the staff who are not working on the research study can make sure the manatee looks healthy and is acting normal.

Once both manatees have done their daily work and have been checked out, the staff gives them additional apples and carrots for good behavior.

Plenty of vocal praise is given as well: “Good job!” “What a good manatee!” and “Way to go!”

Soon, Hugh and Buffett realize that there are no more treats left and swim off to hang out with their turtle friend, Harriet, who lives in their tank with them.

BY THE NUMBERS
13 — Number of years Joe Gaspard has been working with Mote’s manatees
10 — The percentage of Florida manatees that are lost each year due to boating accidents
72 — Number of heads of lettuce manatees Hugh and Buffett eat each day
1,200 — Pounds that Hugh weighs
1,700 — Pounds that Buffett weighs