Last Chance to See

Episode 1

Amazonian Manatee

60 mins

In a new approach to help end hunting of the Amazonian manatee, a research project is working with traditional hunting communities to rescue and release injured manatees back into the wild. It's hoped that while this will only affect a small number of animals directly, it may help to change attitudes towards them and effect a more profound change. Though no one knows for sure, there are believed to be only a few thousand manatees left in the Amazon basin. One individual at the rescue centre is weighed and measured to see if he's big enough to be released - no mean feat with an animal this size and strength. He is confirmed as being ready and his keeper, Michelle, is asked if she'll miss him as there is an obvious bond between her and the manatee.