Skeletons in the Closet

Today I visited the Zoology Department at Dakar University, where they have specimens of most of Senegal's native species, including a partial manatee skeleton on display. I don't have information about where the skeleton came from and how long ago it was acquired, but given the size, it appears to be a juvenile. Unfortunately it was falling apart a bit, but I give them credit for the effort since it takes alot of work to display a manatee skeleton in a lifelike way (3-D rather than flat on a table!).

I'd like to get permission to take a sample for genetic analysis, as well as a sample of the ear bone for age determination. The ear bone was still intact inside the skull, which is rare in a display specimen. 

The skeleton also included part of a mummified manatee tail. Mummified manatee parts are common in Senegal. A brief general description of West African manatees, as well as this old post card from the Royal Belgian Museum of Natural History were also included in the display. The manatee drawing is pretty good, although I got a chuckle out of the two baby manatees nestled on the beach in the right side of the drawing. Clearly, the artist wasn't aware that manatees are completely aquatic. 

Reporting from West Africa, EcoHealth Alliance research scientist Lucy Keith is working on an extensive collaborative project to study West African manatees.