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Sarasota Manatee Gives Birth To Twins

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SARASOTA (CBSMiami/AP) — A manatee that is often spotted in the waters near Sarasota has given birth to rare twins.

The manatee, Tomo-Bella, who has been observed by marine biologists since 1993, was spotted in a canal on Siesta Key this month with the twin calves.

Someone took a video of the family and sent it to Mote Marine Laboratory, which confirmed the mother's identity.

Manatee twins are born between 1.4 and 4 percent of the time to Florida manatees.

Tomo-Bella has been documented with eight calves during the 23 years that scientists have been observing her.

Mote asks people who see the manatee with the twin babies to take photos, videos and provide location information — but don't disturb them.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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