Happy Manatee Appreciation Day! Buffett (shown here smooshing his nose against the glass) and his half brother, Hugh, are part of special manatee research projects at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. Born at the Miami Seaquarium, Buffett and Hugh were brought to Mote in 1996. As animal ambassadors, they introduce thousands of visitors to manatees each year. They're the only sea cows in the world trained to participate in projects designed to help scientists understand how manatees perceive their natural environment. Researchers have studied everything from their hearing and eyesight to their body temperature and physiology—including the tiny hairs, called vibrissae, that cover their bodies. Resource managers will use the knowledge to better protect this endangered species in the wild. Read more at the link in bio. #ManateeAppreciationDay Video by Gena Steffens (gena.g.steffens)