African manatees can grow up to three metres long and weigh as much as 500 kilograms — heavier than a grand piano. Despite their size, they move slowly and gracefully through the water, propelling themselves with a large paddle-shaped tail. They come to the surface every few minutes to breathe air.
Manatees have no natural predators and spend most of their time eating water plants, grasses and even fallen fruits floating on the river surface. They use their flexible lips almost like fingers to grab and stuff plants into their mouths. A manatee can eat up to 8% of its body weight every single day.
In Angola, manatees are found in some of the country's coastal lagoons and river mouths. They are shy and often heard before they are seen — making a quiet snuffling sound as they surface for air. Local fishermen sometimes spot them early in the morning when the water is still.