Park Manager's Message

Fall is in the air, it’s a great time to visit Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park with the family. There are lots of new things to see, including four new animal residents. Three Red wolves are enjoying their new habitat, and a Florida panther, named Don Juan, has settled into his new home at the wildlife park. All of these animals are endangered species. Homosassa Springs is one of a very few places where you can see endangered West Indian manatees, Whooping cranes, Red wolves, and a Florida panther up close.

Start your visit with a leisurely pontoon boat ride down Pepper Creek to the wildlife park. Along the way you may see ospreys nesting, limpkins, herons or egrets wading in the creek, wood ducks swimming along; not to mention turtles sunning on logs, fish and, maybe even an otter. Every day a different experience waits.

And that’s just the beginning. Our elevated boardwalk system provides a great view of the wildlife, including a cougar, bears, bobcats, otters, deer, alligators and a wide variety of wading birds, birds of prey, and songbirds.

The park's resident manatees make the first-magnitude spring their home, along with fresh and salt water fish that are free to come and go. The Fish Bowl, a floating underwater observatory, offers an unequalled, below-the-surface view of manatees and fish in the crystal clear spring environment. Three manatee programs, two Wildlife Encounters, and an alligator program are presented throughout the day, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the Florida's wildlife.

A Reptile House and the Children's Education Center provide close-up viewing of native snakes and other reptiles and a chance for children to learn through hands-on activities.

We are grateful for two new facilities at the park. The recently completed Felburn Wildlife Care Center is a state of the art facility with a great many improvements that will make caring for our animal family easier. A picnic pavilion has been added at the Visitor Center so visitors can comfortably enjoy a picnic lunch.

The Wildside Café, our snack bar, is now operated by the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and has made many improvements, including the addition of an outdoor patio dining area.

The new season brings many special events at the wildlife park. Be sure to look at the complete listing of our Special Events.

This is a day you'll long remember, the ideal family outing. Leave your everyday worries behind you as you set out to explore the Real Florida at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and all our Florida State Parks.

Our dedicated employees and friendly volunteers are waiting to welcome you!

- Art Yerian, Park Manager