When I saw this picture in my inbox today, I just had to share it with you.  Isn't that what bonding is all about? How cute is that baby manatee?

SeaWorld animal care specialist Devi Wise is shown (to the right) bottle-feeding a days-old orphan manatee at the parks' Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

The female calf -- just two-feet long and barely tipping the scale at 21 pounds -- was rescued from Ormond Beach Wednesday July 23. She is the third orphan manatee in two months to come under the watchful care of SeaWorld "moms” and "dads.”

• The manatee is a large aquatic relative of the elephant. They are grayish brown in color and have thick, wrinkled skin.
• They grow to about 10-12 feet and weigh between 1,500 and 1,800 pounds.
• The largest population of manatees is found in Florida, where there are over 3,000, taking up residence primarily in Florida’s coastal waters during the winter months.
• Manatees can be found in the warm waters of shallow rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal waters.

One of my favorite memories from when I was a kid is swimming with these friendly creatures in Crystal River.  Our Sports & Adventure Travel Expert, Lauren Tjaden, also went for a dive. Watch Lauren swim with the manatees.

I bet after watching her video, you'll be inspired to get in the water with these big guys on your next family trip to Florida. Trust me, they really are gentle giants.

Before you go, you can educate your kids by checking out SeaWorld.org's AnimalInfo Books. I suggest that before you head out on your Florida family adventure, you sit together and read about the state's native species.  This free on-line resource is a great way to do just that.

Plus, if you are flying or driving, reading about what you will see when you get to a place is a very fun way to keep kids busy and captivated!

Jennifer Michaels, Family Travel Expert, VISIT FLORIDA and FamilyTravelPlanet.com