News

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Adoption Update

By Kate Spratt, Park Services Specialist, HSWSP

Florida winter weather has brought another busy manatee season to Homosassa Springs, with cool temperatures drawing many manatees into areas around the park. Following several strong cold fronts, manatees have moved in, but due to low tides, they are hanging out in deeper water outside of the park and aren’t always visible in the main spring or near the Long River Bridge. The best place to see the wild manatees right now is from the observation deck in the Garden of the Springs.

Adoptable manatees Ariel and Betsy, along with rehabilitation resident Heinz, are enjoying the paddocks and heated in-ground pool. Much like a spa, the warm pool provides comfort during colder days, and the group eagerly consumes multiple cases of food daily. Staff record observations of each manatee during feedings and track who does what while eating. Always the one to try and eat the most, Betsy barges her way in to get every bit of lettuce she can. Rangers ensure each receives the correct amount of lettuce by feeding them individually in different locations.

Plan a visit to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to experience manatee programs, observe these gentle giants, and learn how to support conservation through adoption or volunteering. The beautiful, clear windows in the Underwater Observatory (also called the Fishbowl) are a perfect place to stop, relax, and observe the schools of various fish and, of course, the graceful manatees.