Many check out Manatees in Fort Myers

By Gabrielle Sarann

CREATED Dec. 23, 2012 - UPDATED: Dec. 24, 2012

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  • Kids check out the manatees in the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers Video by fox4now.com

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FORT MYERS, Fla. - Seven-year-old Charlie Boike knows all kinds of animals. Today was his first time seeing a manatee. 

"What'd you think about them?," asked Fox 4 reporter Gabrielle Sarann. "Cool," replied Charlie.
 
He visited Manatee Park in Fort Myers with his mom, dad and two brothers. Here for the holidays from St. Cloud, MN.
 
"Some are really big and some are really small," observed Charlie's older brother, Drew, 10, who's seen manatees before.
 
This was his 4-year-old brother Lewis' first time, too. "They're cool," he observed.
 
And that's exactly why volunteers want people to check them out. 
 
"The warm water is what draws the manatees at this time of year when the waters are too cool out in the gulf," said Judy Darfler, a volunteer with the park.
 
Darfler explained that because the herbivores can catch pneumonia or hyperventilate in waters colder than 68 degrees, they migrate to this area.
 
But there could be hundreds seeking refuge at the park. An opportunity for Charlie's mom, as well.
 
"They're definitely unique for us to experience," said Erika. "Even for my husband and I, I've never seen a manatee before so this is something new."
 
Five-year-old Alannah and her mom, Kristy, got lucky today.
 
"We've been calling every day on their hot line to see if the manatees are here," explained Kristy Dorsey, visiting from Colorado. 
 
So, they brought the whole family to see them.
 
"They're just such wonderful creatures so gentle and and I'm really glad we got the chance to see them before we head back to Colorado," added Dorsey.
 
Manatee Park is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk. The number to call is (239) 690-5030.