Manatee Stares Death In The Eye And Says 'Not Today', No Longer Officially Endangered

A few days ago we brought you the news that Indochinese tiger's were banging again, freeing them from critically endangered status.

Now, it is with great joy that we can inform you that manatees are no longer fucked either!

I mean, the poor old manatee is still listed as "threatened" by the US Interior Department but we'll take what we can get, right?

The decision to upgrade the sea cow came after some 6,620 were found in Florida's waters. A vast improvement compared to the 1970s, when only a few hundred were found.

And what timing, the news comes right after Manatee Appreciation Day which occurred on March 29.

Jim Kurth, acting director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, said: "While there is still more work to be done to fully recover manatee populations, particularly in the Caribbean, manatee numbers are increasing and we are actively working with partners to address threats.

"Today we both recognize the significant progress we have made in conserving manatee populations while reaffirming our commitment to continuing this species' recovery and success throughout its range."

Like in every walk of life, though, there are party poopers. Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan is one of them.

In a statement, he said: "The decision to weaken protections under the Endangered Species Act threatens the survival of the manatee, one of Florida's most beloved animals. It needs to be reversed."

The entire manatee population stands at 13,000, according to the Interior Department.

Josh Teal

Josh Teal is a journalist at LADbible. He has contributed to the 'Knowing Me, Knowing EU' and 'UOKM8?' campaigns interviewing everyone from student drug dealers to climate change activists.

@tealioni