A manatee floates near the surface at the park

Citrus County is one of the state's most unique vacation spots thanks to this ungainly mammal and in return the county takes good care of their huge aquatic guests. Forty six percent of the county has been set aside for parks and preserves and special manatee sanctuaries have been set up in the waters of Crystal River, Chassahowitzka River, Kings Bay and the other waterways frequented by the seacows. 

A Fox sniffs the earth at HSSP

These creatures are huge. Manatees usually weigh from 1000 to 1,500 pounds. The female only gives birth to a single calf once every two to five years. Occasionally they have twins. The mothers seem to teach their newborn calf and tend it for several years thus the long spacing between births. This low birthrate combined with man's careless use of boats is the main reason manatees are so endangered. 

Newborn calves suckle milk like all other mammals until they are several months old then they begin feeding on vegetation. Like elephants, their closest relation, they grow all their lives. One thirteen foot plus manatee was weighed in at 3,200 pounds

They are very social animal and frequently are found in large groups grazing and playing. Like all mammals they must breathe air. It is when they must surface, at least every fifteen minutes that they are in the gravest danger of being struck and injured by fast turning boat propellers. It is for this reason that "Slow Speed Zones" are so important this fascinating animal is to have a chance at survival. 

An otter washes his food

There is no thrill on earth like snorkeling with these gentle giants. Their playful personality and curious nature bring them right to your side. Their great size is never a threat as they are total pacifists. An interesting story told by an attendant at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, one of the best places to study the sea mammals up close, tells of a manatee and shark encounter. The park houses a permanent herd of manatees that for one reason or other cannot be returned to the wild. One winter, a shark made its way into the enclosed area with the manatees. Keepers feared for the manatees' safety. The manatees however had no fear of this predatory creature. They swam up to it and proceeded to play. The shark must have been confused by the antics of the manatees since it never attempted to harm them. 

The manatees in the park are so acclimated to their human attendants they actually swim up and take carrots out of their hands at show time. The park is reached by way of a pontoon boat that takes you from the entrance on highway 19 on a short voyage through the wildlife sanctuary. If you are lucky you will spot deer, raccoons, otters and other wildlife that share the park with the manatees.  

An eagle who cannot be returned to the wild at the park

Although the park's main attraction is the manatee, it houses lots of other native wildlife. Cougars, bears, bobcats, otters, deer, alligators, eagles and other birds of prey  to just about every kind of wading bird found in Florida share the park with the beloved seacows.. One other creature that resides there almost got evicted. Lucifer, the hippopotamus had been in a movie filmed nearby and came to live at the park when it was a private attraction. When the state took over, they wanted only native wildlife showcased there. Lucifer was destined to go but local residents who had come to know and love the huge creature protested. "Wasn't there some way he could live out his days in his familiar surroundings."  

The answer was simple: the governor granted him honorary citizenship of the state. Lucifer is still there and thrilling countless visitors. One word of caution, if you are standing near his rear and he begins to spin his tail around, back away fast. Very fast! He is planning to dump a very large load of hippo manure in your direction. 

This park is one place you can study the huge bewhiskered seacows in their natural habitat, underwater. The park boast an underwater observatory where you can even hear the manatee sounds via telephones. The giant salad bowl for the manatees is always filled with fresh romaine lettuce so you can observe the giant seacows doing what they enjoy most munching on a snack. 

One of the hundreds of flamingos at HSSP

After you have learned about the fun-loving mammals the next step is to join one of the snorkeling expeditions and actually get into their environment to play with them. Plantation Inn Dive Shop has a good program. You can rent all the equipment you need and the experienced guides will help you become acclimate to the mask and other equipment if you are new to this type of thing. Incidentally, the Plantation Inn has a great buffet if all the water has worked up an appetite. 

Another way to get up close and personal with not only the manatees but also the areas other abundant wild life is on one of the many river cruises. Captain Mike's Lazy River Cruses is an excellent one.  

If you feel more energetic you might try Riversport Kayaks. Depending on your skill lever, they offer many different options for kayaking on Citrus County waters. If en a complete novice like myself was able to enjoy a five-mile trip and not even feel sore the next day anyone can do it. . Here you will encounter lots of bird life and possibly spot a manatee or two.  

There is even a two-day Manatee festival which honors Citrus County's favorite mammal. You can enjoy a boat tour on the beautiful Kings Bay for a small charge and most likely spot a few of the gentle mammals. 

Of course there will be other activities at the festival. From watercolor artwork to breathtaking photography, sculptures, stained glass and unique one of a kind handmade jewelry, are just some of what you will find here. What is a festival without music so live entertainment will be provided continuously during the event. . The festival will also offer their annual Jimmy Buffet sound-a-like contest  

One other eco-based facility to visit there is the Marine Science Station. The station is officially part of the school system in the county but they do offer a lot more than classes. The center is teaching both adults and children the importance of the area's ecosystem. Tours can be arranged through the center for small or large groups. This is a once in a lifetime chance to see the inhabitants of the waterways and marshes of Citrus County close up.

 There are lots of other attractions in the area too. The Crystal River State Archaeological Site with six mounds dating back to pre-historic times is worth a visit.  Some unusual features of the site are two upright ceremonial stones or "stelae," one with the likeness of a human head carved on its surface. 

Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins State Historic Site-is a well-preserved ruin that includes original remains of the boiler, chimney and mill machinery of an old sugar mill.

If you need some indoor activities to balance all the natural attractions you will find plenty to do as well.  Just across the street from the sugar mill ruins, you will find the

Olde Mille House Gallery and Printing Museum, a museum dedicated to the history of printing from Gutenberg through the early 1900's.  

Manatee watching at "Nature's Theme Park" is a great way to see part of the "real Florida." So why don't you go play with the manatees in Citrus County?

This is part of the information you will find in our upcoming book, Wild About Florida.
If you wish to learn more about Wild About Florida, click here.