Manatees can grow to 4 meter and weigh up to 600 kg
The ranger explains Manatee behavior. To make sure they stay he feeds them snacks
Lu the Hippo is the only remaining exotic animal in the park
dozing away in the warm sun light
this gator seems to have a serious algae growth on its legs
this imposter is not a Manatee at all
the Manatee show has just started
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Homosassa Springs gets its name from the warm-water springs at the head of the short tidal Homosassa River.
Only 13 km separate the
springs from the Gulf of Mexico and since time immemorial manatees travel in wintertime to the springs to warm
up and hang around.
Recently these clever sea cows have discovered the warm outflows of power plants, much to
the chagrin of some conservation biologists who want them to continue the old migration patterns.
Seems the manatees disagree..
Furthermore they show snakes, alligators, river otters,
deer and several species of birds.
We visited the park in early July 1995.
you can join a cruise over the Homosassa River and spot wildlife. We did not see any
the park also features an alligator show but we are heading for the Manatee show
an American Brown Pelican
they cannot be kept away from him
Manatees are slow moving, very social animals
