Several of Crystal River's manatees got a doctor visit this week. 

Doctor Bob Bonde, along with other wildlife agencies, spent two days making sure the lovable sea cows were healthy. 

Eight manatees from Crystal River in Citrus County were caught and assessed. 

The health care checkup is part of the U.S. Geological Survey's Sirenia Project which collects biological samples of Florida manatees. 

The information helps scientists understand how manatees are doing in their environments and also helps conservation efforts. 

“This is research gold,” said Bonde, a 38-year USGS research biologist and manatee specialist with the Sirenia Project.

Check out a manatee health assessment at Crystal River from 2014:

The team was able to catch the manatees off Shatz Island as they passed by. 

Dr. Mike Walsh, an associated professor with the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine’s Aquatic Animal Health Program, has assisted in the Shatz Island manatee health assessments for the past 10 years.

“Our work is geared toward making sure they’re healthy on the beach, and we also want to look at the medical aspects of these animals,” he said.

One of the manatees they assessed was a healthy pregnant female in her third trimester. Two others were a mother cow and her calf. 

Overall, Bonde said the manatees health impressed him, proving Crystal River is a great place for them to live. 

“If I were a manatee, I’d want to live here,” Bonde said. “Crystal River and its springs are the future of the manatees.”

Information from our partners at the Chronicle was used in this report.