A Chetumal Bay is a true celebration of life. Not just for the beauty of the bright emerald green waters, or the exotic vegetation that exaggerates the tropical appearance of the landscape, but because being there feels like changing your body and releasing your senses, allowing the joy of being outdoors. But, mainly, for the awareness of the care for nature and the dedicated efforts to make it possible.
One of the interesting proposals waiting for us in this paradise is the Manatee Sanctuary: the best-conserved protected area in Quintana Roo, declared as such in October 1994. A place where you will arrive with your curiosity at its peak, in search of experiences and exotic sights, but from which you will not leave without having learned about these animals and without having been touched in the heart.
It can be said that the manatee is like a harmless giant, measuring approximately 3 meters long and weighing 500 kilograms, but its slow swimming and the expression on its face evoke nothing but tenderness. It moves with the motion of its flippers and tail, and, moreover, it is herbivorous and harmless if it does not feel threatened. Despite this, unfortunately, it is endangered. Many causes can be cited, but fishing nets and pollution are the main ones.
This appeal has been popularized under the name of “Daniel’s Capoeira” as its story served as a springboard for the care of this animal to be considered an important task. The story recounts that in 2003, a newborn specimen of this species was found there, still with its umbilical cord. It was provided with the necessary care to ensure its survival, and then, at weaning age, it was released into a natural environment to continue its journey. However, the manatee returned to the site, as if thanking for the attention and not abandoning “its roots.”
To say that Chetumal Bay is the home of manatees is just an excuse to also protect other species that are endangered, and the numbers are surprising: there are 300 species of flora, divided between swamps and mangroves, and more than 200 species of vertebrate animals, such as toucans, alligators, wild boars, among others.
Both for the area it covers, with 281 thousand hectares, and for the species that dwell here, this is an exemplary corner where the defense of life is part of the daily lives of the people.
Finally, if you are a fan of ecotourism, you should know that in Quintana Roo, the Manatee Sanctuary is just one of the protected areas. There are others, such as the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which has coral reefs and archaeological remains, as well as the Xcacel Xcacelito Sanctuary and the Contoy Island National Park.
Portuguese Versión: Santuário do peixe-Boi: a área protegida melhor conservada de Quintana Roo
