Orlando Wyland Whaling Wall 10

History of the Orlando Wyland Whaling Wall 10

-Manatees

Wyland’s 10th Whaling Wall featured a different kind of marine mammal – the manatee. The artist was invited by Florida Governor Bob Graham and singer Jimmy Buffett, founder of the Save the Manatees Committee, to paint the endangered manatee at the Orlando International Airport. Before he painted the mural, Wyland spent days in Blue Springs, Florida, to study local manatee populations in the wild, an experience he treasured for the rest of his life. “Manatees are true symbols of the need for people to become more aware of the impacts they are having not only on our waters, but the animals that depend on these healthy habitats, “Wyland says.” They are gentle, slow-moving creatures often hit by sporting boats. I know this first hand because I’ve seen too many prop marks on their backs because they have trouble getting out of the way.” He added, “Florida’s waters are the only natural habitat for these beautiful animals and Jimmy Buffett and the Save the Manatees did an amazing job at raising awareness of the issue. But there’s still so
much more to do. People need to be more aware because these mammals are very
fragile and sensitive to this ever-shrinking environment.”

More to consider

• Habitat loss for thousands of species – including Manatees — continues to affect
  the state of Florida. Major ecosystems like the everglades face threats from
  development and water pollution.
• The U.S. Marine Mammal protection Act of 1972 played a critical role in the
  recovery of the manatees.
• In its effort to raise awareness about issues relating to over development and
  water pollution, the Wyland regularly explores the impacts that these problems
  have on marine creatures such as manatees that are highly dependent on
  specific marine ecosystems.

Whaling wall 10
Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida
14 Feet Long x 8 Feet High
Dedicated 1986
By Jimmy Buffett, Singer

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