Homosassa
Springs Wildlife park is a refuge where injured or orphaned
manatees which have received treatment at a critical care
facility are housed, fed, and cared for - until released
or for the rest of their lives, depending on whether or
not the animal is expected to be able to re-acclimate itself
to life in the wild.
The park centers around a large freshwater
spring which is the headwater for the Homosassa River -
flowing about 2 million gallons of 72-degree spring water
every hour. The springs constant temperature attracts manatees
during the colder winter months to the springs area. Wild
manatees are separated from the parks manatees by a special
fence which spans the width of the flow several hundred
feet from the main spring.
The park features a floating observatory which enables
you to get "up-close" with the swimming manatees
- with windows to allow you to see them feeding, playing
and cavorting in the warm spring waters. The spring's clear
warm water also attracts a number of other native fishes,
which gather in large circling schools above the springs
outlet - and can easily be seen from the observatory.
The manatees at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park are
fed a variety of greens and vitamins to simulate their normal
diet of sea grasses and vegetation. To feed a single manatee
can cost in excess of $1000.00 per month in lettuce and
greens. Currently there are 9 manatees at the Homosassa
Springs Wildlife Park.
Besides the main-attraction
manatees, the park also showcases other native Florida wildlife
- including alligators, crocodiles, native birds, and many
other animals - all in a beautiful, natural setting which
makes a visit to the park more than a fantastic manatee
experience.
For more information on the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park,
please contact them a 352-628-2311 - or - visit their website
on-line at : http://www.hsswp.com/main.html
SWIMMING
WITH THE MANATEES - HOMOSASSA RIVER
Just
outside the park, beyond the sanctuary markers which provide
a buffer zone for wild manatees, is the publicly accessible
area of the springs which attracts visitors from all over
the world - who want to meet and swim with the gentle
giants during the colder winter months.
The warm spring water spills into the much
colder tannic water present in the canal - forming a very
noticeable thermocline between the two. A wetsuit is recommended.
Follow all rules and
laws associated with swimming with the manatees. This
area is closely monitored by Fish and Wildlife Officials
who will fine you or arrest you for harassing or harming
the animals in any way.
The best way to find and access this area
is with an experienced guide - who will train and supervise
you as to proper conduct when swimming around manatees,
can provide you with snorkeling equipment, and can help
make your experience an enjoyable and memorable one.
The best time to visit the spring is in colder winter
months, as many manatees gather here to keep warm. Call
ahead for reservations and additional information.
For more information on the Homosassa Springs Wildlife
Park, please contact them a 352-628-2311 - or - visit
their website on-line at : http://www.hsswp.com/main.html
For
more information on supporting rescue efforts or adopting
a manatee please contact Save The Manatee® - visit
their adopt-a-manatee website on-line at : http://www.savethemanatee.com/
SWIMMING
WITH THE MANATEES - CRYSTAL RIVER
Crystal River
offers several springs and areas to find and encounter the
manatees - including a main spring which offers a nice SCUBA
dive to the bottom of the 50 foot spring. Crystal River
is a fifteen minute drive from Homosassa Springs.
Crystal River features several Manatee Sanctuary areas which
give the manatees a place to retreat from the boats and
people when they want to rest or feed. You cannot enter
these sanctuary areas under any circumstance. The newest
sanctuary is at Three Sisters Springs. It was established
in November 1997. Access to the three springs to swimmers
is still provided and I recommend you snorkel back to the
springs and enjoy the "lagoon-like" atmosphere.
A wetsuit is
recommended. Follow all rules
and laws associated with swimming with and boating around
the manatees. This area is closely monitored by Fish and
Wildlife Officials who will fine you or arrest you for harassing
or harming the animals in any way.
The best way to find and access this area is with an experienced
guide - who will train and supervise you as to proper conduct
when swimming around manatees, can provide you with snorkeling
equipment, and can help make your experience an enjoyable
and memorable one. I recommend Bill and Diana Oestreich
of Bird's Underwater - they have a great deal of respect
for the manatee, and will surely help you have the encounter
of your life -
The best time to visit the spring is in colder winter months,
as many manatees gather here to keep warm. Call ahead for
reservations and additional information.
For more information on supporting rescue efforts or adopting
a manatee please contact Save The Manatee® - visit their
adopt-a-manatee website on-line at : http://www.savethemanatee.com/
Homosassa
Springs Wildlife park is a refuge where injured or orphaned
manatees which have received treatment at a critical care
facility are housed, fed, and cared for - until released
or for the rest of their lives, depending on whether or
not the animal is expected to be able to re-acclimate itself
to life in the wild.
The park centers around a large freshwater
spring which is the headwater for the Homosassa River -
flowing about 2 million gallons of 72-degree spring water
every hour. The springs constant temperature attracts manatees
during the colder winter months to the springs area. Wild
manatees are separated from the parks manatees by a special
fence which spans the width of the flow several hundred
feet from the main spring.
The park features a floating observatory which enables
you to get "up-close" with the swimming manatees
- with windows to allow you to see them feeding, playing
and cavorting in the warm spring waters. The spring's clear
warm water also attracts a number of other native fishes,
which gather in large circling schools above the springs
outlet - and can easily be seen from the observatory.
Besides the main-attraction
manatees, the park also showcases other native Florida wildlife
- including alligators, crocodiles, native birds, and many
other animals - all in a beautiful, natural setting which
makes a visit to the park more than a fantastic manatee
experience.
The warm spring water spills into the much
colder tannic water present in the canal - forming a very
noticeable thermocline between the two. A wetsuit is recommended.
Follow all 
The best way to find and access this area
is with an experienced guide - who will train and supervise
you as to proper conduct when swimming around manatees,
can provide you with snorkeling equipment, and can help
make your experience an enjoyable and memorable one. 
Crystal River
offers several springs and areas to find and encounter the
manatees - including a main spring which offers a nice SCUBA
dive to the bottom of the 50 foot spring. Crystal River
is a fifteen minute drive from Homosassa Springs.
A wetsuit is
recommended. Follow all 
