Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park

Manatees are the biggest attractions at Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Manatees are unfortunately a dying species – yet with Florida’s relatively recent strict Manatee protection laws, the gentle creatures stand a good chance at making a comeback. A 1996 survey estimated there were 2,639 manatees in the wild, the highest ever recorded since record keeping began – but Manatees are still on the endangered lists. Manatees can be found on both coasts of Florida, but at Homosassa Springs, you can get up close and personal to these sweet and historically misunderstood (they were once believed to be mermaids, and later believed to be sea cows) animals.

With their wide bodies, fat little flippers, and doleful eyes, it is easy to understand why Manatees capture the hearts of humans. Unfortunately, Manatees, for their great size, get injured easily from their number one enemy: humans. Humans and their accoutrements such as fishing hooks, crab traps, trawling nets, boat propellers, and water pollution are very hazardous to manatees. At Homosassa Springs, injured Manatees are rehabilitated before being let back out into the wild. Sick manatees also get special care here; this is a great place to see interspecies cooperation.

There is a floating laboratory here at Homosassa Springs, where visitors, manatees, and fish alike can enjoy the beautiful scenery and get a really good look at each other. This laboratory was constructed on land, and lowered into the water using a ramp covered in bananas instead of grease. This small example of how far people go to protect the environment demonstrates the dedication Homosassa Springs gives to the environment and all of its inhabitants.

Healthy Manatees are free to come and go – and Manatees love Homosassa Springs for its constant temperature. Even though in the summer some Manatees travel as far west as Louisiana and as far north as Virginia, they are unique to (and always return to) sunny Florida. If you want a personal, rewarding experience, visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park- your visit helps fund educational programs and public awareness campaigns created to protect these humble, lumbering sea mammals.

Florida Tourists Guide - State Parks