A young woman was surprised at her age when she went canoeing with her friend. Celine Chastain and her friend were enjoying a beautiful ocean view near Jupiter, Florida when they spotted what looked like a rock in the distance.
The two girls decided to check it out, both girls rowed closely and were shocked at the scene. Céline and her friend were greeted by a friendly manatee.
At first, the manatee, or “sea cow”, was rolling around in the water, enjoying its wonderful game time. In the end, the manatee decided to get closer to two of the contestants, even placing its wide flippers on a board Celine.
Celine’s friend recorded the incredibly rare encounter, which has since gone viral and been viewed over six million times. Celine can be heard laughing and expressing her immense excitement as the sea cow gently taps her board.
Since meeting her, Celine has told reporters what an incredible experience she had with a manatee. Speaking to a reporter from local news station WPTV, Celine said she thought the manatee was a very cute animal and hoped to see it again one day.
Celine and her friend were also praised for how they handled the situation. Although cute and playful, manatees are also an endangered species. Florida Manatee Sanctuary Law provides for heavy fines and even jail time for people who touch or harass a manatee.
The state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends that if a manatee approaches you while you are kayaking, boating, or any other type of ocean activity, you can watch and enjoy the actions. of the creature, like what Selin and Behold. The friend did, but never touched the animal.
