by Carrie Resch
Staff Writer
There is a new variety of manatees in town that need protecting — the fiberglass species. This particular type is not scheduled to migrate until April, but some jumpstarted their season with the help of rambunctious fans.
Since the Otis Smith Kids Foundation started displaying the manatees for their fund-raiser, four have been tampered with, two on Gator Bowl weekend.
Additional security measures have been put in place to protect the manatees for Super Bowl weekend, but specific measures were not revealed so as not to tip off vandals.
“We’re confident with the amount of security that they won’t be bothered,” said Bonnie Upright, Director of Community Development for the Foundation, a touch of hope in her voice. “We understand that it’s a party atmosphere this weekend and there might be vandalism. If so, then we will repair them as quickly as we can.”
Monday was “Sea cow patrol day” where volunteers cleaned the statues for the Super Bowl and installed new plaques to let people know that the manatees are under surveillance.
The plaques give the manatee’s name as well as its sponsor, usualy a company which put up money to have a local artist paint it and install it.
Stealing a fake manatee is as bad as doing something to a real one — those who get caught face a grand-theft felony charge.
“We will prosecute,” Upright said sternly.
She hopes that the sheer volume of security in Downtown and at the Southbank will be helpful. Property owners have been providing their own security and surveillance for manatees on their property.
What will visitors think of these massive mammals?
“The painted statues have been such a popular art concept in major cities, that the concept will probably be recognized by tourists,” Upright said. “Although, we found that ‘sea cow’ is not a familiar term with them.”
Out of the 43 manatees, three have been stolen and two have been recovered. Manatee Fantasea was stolen in November and so badly damaged that it had to be completely reproduced. It was located outside of MOSH, but has recently been relocated to Friendship Fountain for security measures.
Gator Bowl weekend was particularly active for vandalism as two manatees were stolen December 30. Marilyn Manatee was left on the side of the road, possibly because she was too heavy to take away, and Manatee Wannabe was stolen and has yet to be reclaimed.
The Foundation is working closely with JSO and detectives on the
cases.
Dimples was stolen from the Times-Union Center for Performing Arts and found by anonymous tips. He is currently under repair in the “sea cow infirmary,” then will go to the artist to get repainted and returned in a couple of weeks.
Accessories adorning the manatees have also been a popular item to steal.
Susan Cannizzaro, an art teacher from Kernan Trail Elementary, helped create the D.R.E.A.M. On manatee in front of the new library in Hemming Plaza. She has already replaced the graduation hat once, when it was stolen on Florida-Georgia weekend.