"Manatee Mother with Calf" Cortez Bank hundreds of overlapping high resolution

hundreds of overlapping high resolution macro photographs were taken at close range

the fish never ventures far from the protective tentacles of the host sea anemone

a mother and her calf

I wish for people to see these beautiful and delicate creatures and know that all animals serve meaning in our ecosystem

this image was produced in 2011 with a grant from the National Science Foundation and support from the American Museum of Natural History in New York

"Manatee Mother with Calf" Cortez Bank hundreds of overlapping high resolutionA West Indian manatee calf will remain dependent on its mother for up to two years, long after it has been weaned. Dawn Witheringtons work as a graphic design artist and scientific illustrator has allowed her unique access to sea animals through the scientists who intimately know their subjects. Dawns specialty is photorealistic art that captures the elusive essence of the seas most enigmatic creatures. Acrylic Canvas Fine Art Paper Archival quality