Chuck Ripper (American, B. 1929) "Florida Manatee" Signed lower right. Original Gouache/Watercolor painting on Masonite.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the 32c Florida Manatee stamp issued October 2, 1996.

Slow-moving and serene, the manatee is the graceful cow of the sea. Found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries and slow-flowing rivers, it spends its lazy days grazing on aquatic vegetation just beneath the water's surface. Massive, thick-skinned and nearly hairless, the manatee's slate-grey body sports paddlelike forelimbs and a spatulate tail -- a figure which, ironically, likely gave rise to the folklore of mermaids. Not particularly gregarious, the manatee usually lives singly or in small family groups, but can sometimes form herds of up to a score. With no natural predators, this ocean giant has retained a placid temperament and won't fight to defend itself or its calf. Unfortunately, since Spanish explorers first came to the Florida region in the 16th century, man has become the manatee's first true enemy. Although hunting this peaceful creature has been outlawed for over a century, the encroachment of mankind on the manatee's habitat still threatens its existence. Many fall victim to the unforgiving blades of outboard motors, while others often drown in the intake gates of water control structures. Still others are scared away from their warm-water havens by human intruders, fleeing into colder waters where a stay of only a few hours often proves lethal to these temperature-sensitive mammals. With only some 1,000 manatees left in the wild, mankind must take special care to preserve these gentle giants of the Caribbean.

Image Size: 14.5 x 12.5 in.
Overall Size: 17.75 x 14.75 in.
Unframed.
(B15501)

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