Vocalizations
The following vocalizations are from male captive Florida manatees and were collected at the Cincinnati Zoo. The vocalizations were recorded during research runs with sound frequencies, manatee squeaks, or no sounds being transmitted into the tank. We believe the "double squeaks" (1-Stoneman & Douglas; 2-Stoneman & Hurricane; 3-Stoneman & Rodeo; 4-Stoneman & Hurricane) may be one manatee vocalizing a response to the other manatee. The single squeaks are all recordings of Slip and Little Joe.
- Male Single 1
- Male Single 2
- Male Single 3
- Male Single 4
- Male Double 1
- Male Double 2
- Male Double 3
- Male Double 4
The following vocalizations are from two female captive Florida manatees, Stubby & Holly, and were collected at the Columbus Zoo. The vocalizations were recorded during research runs with sound frequencies, manatee squeaks, or no sounds being transmitted into the tank. Female vocalizations sound very "chirpy" compared to male vocalizations.
The following five vocalizations are from wild Florida manatees and are believed to be distress calls. The vocalizations were donated to the project by Lynne Williams, University of Carolina Wilmington - Center for Marine Science.
Other Sounds
The following sound file is a recording in the manatee tank during a study at the Cincinnati Zoo when there were visitors viewing the manatees in the viewing hall. People can clearly be heard in the tank, and the manatees (Slip & Little Joe) can also be heard vocalizing.
The frequency that is utilized most often in our experimental runs is a 10 kHz, 15 kHz alternating frequency with a 2 Hz repeat.