A mortified man has admitted on social media to lying about his love of manatees for almost a quarter of a century to protect the feelings of his son. The man, who wishes not to reveal his identity, explained that when his son was just 6, he gave his father a mug with a picture of a manatee on it for his birthday. “He got upset when I wasn’t sufficiently thrilled with his gift,” said the man. “I assured him that I loved it, saying that manatees were my favorite animals in the whole wide world.” Unbeknownst to him at the time, the man would have to live that lie for years to come. Little junior began giving his dad manatee shirts, calendars, beer steins, and many other manatee-themed gifts for every occasion. “There are now 24 years of manatee items displayed proudly in my home,” said the man. Unfortunately, the deception has now reached its zenith. The son, who is now 30, planned a special manatee-themed present for his father’s 55th birthday — a trip to Florida to see manatees. Despite his love for the ocean, the father isn’t thrilled with having to once again pretend that the manatee is his favorite animal. Comments on social media in response were hilarious, with one user writing: “You’re going to have to take this secret to your grave, I’m afraid.” Another user posted, “You will be buried in a manatee-style coffin and smile about it.” Others believe the father will change his mind after seeing a manatee up close, with one user saying, “They will indeed become your favorite animals in the whole wide world.”
