"Discover the Real Florida"
How could I say no?
As much as I enjoy the long, gleaming strips of sugar sand beaches lined with restaurants -
oh, yes, I truly do enjoy them :) - discovering the "real" Florida with the kids makes for a wonderful day. The fact that the kids learn about our new home state's native species, along with how the staff at the
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park take injured animals, heal them, and then care for them, is a nice bonus.
The manatees are the stars of the show. Watching them gently eat carrots, lettuce and other veggies directly from the staff's hands is a great demonstration of just how gentle these giants are. Unfortunately, their terrible scars show how our species is hurting theres on a daily basis.
Two of my favorite Manatees:
Now for what are probably our most famous natives, the alligators. Um...I'm just going to...move along. I'm sure the park's website will share lots of info about them. Let's just say I'm still adjusting to the fact that these guys live around here...
Hungry Hungry Hippo
We get these in our yards, too...
Can you even tell he's missing a wing? Believe me when I tell you it doesn't take away from his glorious presence. He's a reminder of the good that can be found in the people of this nation.
We're blessed that this park is just a hop, skip, and a jump (over a gator?) away from Spring Hill.
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