Petting, grabbing, riding, poking and feeding manatees are illegal acts, both by state statue and federal regulation, and can result in a significant fine.

The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park serves as a rehabilitation and refuge center for injured West Indian manatees. Many other manatees prefer to spend the winter months around these constant temperature springs of the Homosassa River.

The Park's floating underwater observatory presents the visitor with a fascinating year round view of thousands of fresh and saltwater fish. The observer will also be rewarded with a beautiful spectacle of a manatee ever so slowly gliding past the large plate glass windows.

It is estimated that only about 2,400 of the endangered West Indian manatee are left world wide.

Legal Protection

Manatees are protected by State and Federal laws such as Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973.

   Learn more about the manatee and its habitat

   Manatee as seen from floating observatory

   Two happy Manatees

   Manatee in search of food

   Manatee and calf resting

   Return to State Park page.