The manatee, also known as a sea cow, is believed to be the origin of the mythical mermaid. Manatees are large, aquatic mammals that can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and grow to be over 10 feet in length. With their round faces, small eyes, and flipper-like limbs, manatees are said to resemble the upper body of a woman, leading sailors and seafarers throughout history to mistake them for mermaids. Despite their mild-mannered nature, hunting and habitat loss has severely impacted manatee populations, making them an endangered species.