About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Creature Feature #445: Manatee

The Manatee are large, fully aquatic mammals belong to the Order Sirenia. Her vegetarian diet gives her the alternative name of "sea cow". There are several species, including this Amazonian Manatee. Unlike the other species, she leads an almost entirely freshwater lifestyle, occupying the rivers, lakes and lagoons of the Amazon river basin. She is solitary in nature, although will sometimes gather with others to graze on water plants. Her digestive system is similar to that of the horse and she eats 8% of her body weight per day. She sleeps submerged, surfacing every 20 mins or so to breathe.

She is classified as Vulnerable due to hunting, pollution (such as oil spoils), and climate change. Captive Manatees live around 13 years, whereas in the wild she can live to be 30.

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