MANATEE -- So how much does it cost to keep three manatees going for a year?

About $75,000.

Factor in maintaining the tank that holds Manatee’s oldest manatee, Snooty, and his friends Charlie and Brandee, and that price soars, according to Martha Wells, development officer at the museum.

To help cover that cost, two donors to the South Florida Museum have pledged to match every dollar donated to the museum’s fundraiser, Ripple Effect, for up to $20,000.

“They wanted to support our Manatee Care program and do it in a way that would encourage others in the community to support the program,” Wells said.

Since the museum is not eligible for state or federal funding to support their care efforts for the manatees, they rely heavily on these donations to keep their education and rehab efforts going.

“It takes a lot of care,” said Executive Director Brynne Anne Besio, who explained that vet bills, staffing fees and food expenses add up.

At 62, Snooty shares his tank with Charlie and Brandee who are in the rehabilitation program. Because the two younger manatees will eventually be sent back into the wild, they spend most of their day learning life skills, like where to look for food, Besio said.

Trainers toss cabbage, kale, carrots and other veggies into the water for them to find, while Snooty is fed by hand and is allowed human interaction. With a population of about 5,000, manatees are a threatened species and rehab centers such as the one at the museum are vital to their existence, said Wells.

“This is an opportunity for every Manatee resident to give back,” she said.

Donations can be made by visiting www.southfloridamuseum.org, calling (941) 746-4131, ext. 35, or can be mailed to P.O. Box 9265, Bradenton, FL 34206.