Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park

We like to visit State Parks and  recently we made a trip to Homosassa Springs State Park at Crystal River, Florida.  This park is a true crown jewel in the collection of Florida state parks. Homosassa and Weeki Wachee and Silver Springs are the three parks that are much more than a nature center and playground. Homosassa is a tourist destination and basically a mini theme park for rehabilitative native Florida species.

I am not a big fan of zoo's.  I feel like animals should not be taken from their natural environment to begin with, made it perform, and then confined to a tiny space. Animals deserve to be in their natural habitat.  However, I support sanctuaries and wildlife preserves just like this park.  It is created to rehabilitate and heal animals. Most of them are unable to survive on their own in the wild. So they are given a comfortable and safe environment at Homosassa Springs. Also they have Underwater Observatory, allows visitors to “walk underwater” beneath the spring’s surface and watch the various fish and manatees swim about.

There's three ways to get to the park: #1 You can go on a boat ride you will cruise down the canal and learn about the various creatures you come across. #2 You can took the tram which is faster, more efficient, and runs more often. and #3 Drive yourself then just park right at the entrance if you don't want to bother with the extra ride.

Plan at least two hours to visit and walk the boardwalk as it takes you past different animals. It cost $13.00 for each adult to enter.   The entire park is handicap accessible. The only thing requiring the use of stairs is when you view the manatees through glass below water.

Crystal River in Florida is home to the largest number of manatees in the state.

As air temperatures lower in winter, sea cows migrate to Florida's springs because the water temperature of Crystal River remains a constant 72 degree temperature. Usually between November till March over 400 manatees will migrate to Crystal River each winter to seek refuge from the cold Gulf waters.

One of the Resident Manatee decided to show up!

 We went into the underwater observatory it was such a fun way to observe the fish in the springs.

I enjoyed this place more than I expected.  It's an injured animal facility so none of these animals can't be released and many have visible injuries but they appear well taken care of.   This place is like a nursery or retirement home for animals that have traumatic injuries or can no longer survive in the wild.   Every single animal has a heart warming story.

Alligator

Owl with eye problem

One of the bald eagle in the park who hurts its wings.  This one might have flown into a power line and the other could have hit a car.  They have amputated limbs and will live out their years under the tender care of the park. 

Black Bear

The flamingos were born in an airport so they moved them in an effort to save their lives.

All of the animals are native to Florida except Lu the Hippo.  She became a honorary citizen of the city when she was about to be displaced. The people fought to keep her and now she's one of the oldest hippos in captivity.

Beloved Lu the Hippo's

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27 comments Aquarium and Zoo, Crystal River, Family Attractions, Florida, State Parks, United States