Meet Merlin
Named after the wizard of Arthurian legend, some might say he’s led a charmed life
When researchers started tracking the manatees at Blue Spring State Park in 1970, Merlin was one of the first manatees identified. Although that sounds like a long time ago, Merlin has probably only reached manatee middle age, as manatees are believed to be able to live 60 years or more. A regular winter visitor, Merlin has returned to Blue Spring nearly every year since that time.
Merlin is about 10 feet long, which is average for a manatee. Sadly, what really distinguishes him from the other manatees is the many scars he has on his back and tail, which are from multiple boat hits. Ranger Wayne Hartley, who tracks the Blue Spring manatees, says it almost looks as if someone has played tic-tac-toe on him.
Named after the wizard featured in Arthurian legend, some might say that Merlin has led a charmed life as he is lucky to have survived all those boat hits. Shy around people, he is still curious about the research canoe, which the rangers use to get a morning “nose count” on the manatees in the spring.
Merlin also seems to like to explore and has been seen investigating throughout the spring run. Because he usually arrives at Blue Spring late in the season, Ranger Wayne calls Merlin “Tail-End Charlie.” This is a nickname given to rear-gunners on British military aircraft during World War II. Manatees typically winter at Blue Spring from November through March, although their arrival and departure is temperature dependent. But though Merlin worries us with his late arrivals – sometimes not appearing at the spring until January – he still manages to make it for the season.
merlin sleeps
Manatees are what researchers call “semi-social,” which means they are somewhat solitary animals. They sometimes gather in small, informal groups, but they have no leader or real herd structure. Merlin fits the bill as he is known for traveling on his own, but he can also be found in the spring run, hanging out with the other manatees. He is frequently seen with Lily, Deep Dent, Doc, Lucille, Robin, Flash, Troy, and Lenny.
Last year’s manatee season was a warm one. Nevertheless, Merlin defied all expectations when he showed up in November, visited nine times, and held off leaving until March, even when many of the other manatees left in February. “I give Merlin a gold star as he is rarely so prompt,” said Ranger Wayne, “and I’m proud of him for staying so late.”
https://www.savethemanatee.org/Manatee_Feature/USGS_merlin_2-06.jpgPoor merlin. Boats are worse than cars.
