A manatee that made a rare visit to Rhode Island has been found dead offshore, bringing a sad end to the marine mammal’s curious appearance in New England. The West Indian manatee is a large, plant-eating animal that normally lives in the warmer waters of the Southeastern states and the Caribbean. The Rhode Island manatee was first seen in early September. The animal rescue program at Mystic Aquarium says it was the first observed in the state since around 2010. It was found dead Thursday between Prudence Island and Hog Island. Also known as sea cows, they can live as long as 65 years.
