In 1995, a manatee made its way up Buffalo Bayou. Houstonians were enthralled

Scenes along Buffalo Bayou near 69th Street, where a manatee was spotted, Dec. 6, 1995. Scenes along Buffalo Bayou near 69th Street, where a manatee was spotted, Dec. 6, 1995. Photo: Carlos Antonio Rios, Houston Chronicle Photo: Carlos Antonio Rios, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 63 Caption Close In 1995, a manatee made its way up Buffalo Bayou. Houstonians were enthralled 1 / 63 Back to Gallery

She was only here for a little more than a week, but she would have stayed longer if it weren't for those dogged rescuers.

News last week that "Molly" the manatee was spotted in Galveston Bay jogged memories from 23 years ago, when another manatee decided to mosey on up Buffalo Bayou and vacation in Houston.

Not since JFK in '63 had a visitor electrified the city. OK, that may be stretching it, but news coverage of the mammal known as Macario, Hugh, then -- once it was realized the manatee was a she -- Selena and Sweet Pea, was extensive.

Click through the gallery above to see vintage photos of a manatee's famed trip to Buffalo Bayou in Houston.

Workers at a city wastewater treatment plant near 69th and Wayside first spotted her on Nov. 28, 1995. Manatees can typically be found in warmer waters like Mexico's Yucatan or around Florida, so the sighting here was a rare occurrence.

Why it didn't go further and stop by Allen's Landing was likely because it was attracted to the warm water flow out of the treatment plant.

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Wildlife officials hoped the visitor would find its way back into the Gulf and were encouraged when it was spotted 10 miles downstream on Dec. 4 by several crews navigating the Ship Channel. But she apparently liked that little spot in Buffalo Bayou too much and was soon seen back near the treatment plant.

Hundreds would turn out to try to get a glimpse of the sea cow. Wildlife officials and onlookers laid out a buffet of lettuce and other veggies for the manatee to satisfy its voracious appetite.

But low water temperatures and a lack of natural vegetation in the bayou left rescuers with no other option but to capture her. After eluding rescuers once, about 20 wildlife workers got it right the second time when they managed to snag her.

"About 100 spectators cheered as it became apparent the animal had been corralled and was being pulled in," the Chronicle reported in its Dec. 8 editions.

Sweet Pea was sent off -- via a Gallery Furniture truck -- to Sea World San Antonio. While there, she threw up a plastic produce bag. Eventually, she was flown to a wildlife habitat, where she likely lived out her days.

Just how popular was Sweet Pea during her time here? Apparently, she pulled in a bigger crowd than those at a Keep-the-Oilers rally held around the same time outside City Hall.

"We'd rather have the manatee here than Bud Adams," said Dana Frosch, as reported by Chronicle columnist Thom Marshall. "You can quote me on that."

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