Florida Guide > State Parks
Florida Panther joins a State Park.
Those of you who have been to Homossassas will be pleased to hear that they have just welcomed a brand new arrival. A Florida Panther has just taken his place among all the happy wild animals that call this State Park home.
His name is Don Juan and he is the only Florida Panther to live in a State Park.
In his previous life he has lived up to his name and fathered 30 Florida Panther cubs. You may have met Don Juan before since he has lived for most of his life at Big Cypress Swamp near Naples.
He moved a little closer to Homossassas 2 years ago when he went to live at Busch Gardens. Busch Gardens is the animal themed park.
Move on 2 years and Don Juan moved to Homossassas. You will find him in the enclosure that previously housed Magyar, the female cougar. You will be able to admire Don Juan in safety from the vantage point behind a viwing screen.
The other recent excitemnet at the park has been the arrival of 3 Red Wolf Cubs. The Red Wolf was extinct in Florida 30 years ago but the programme to preserve these threatened species has meant that today there are thought to be 130 in Florida now.
This park encompasses some 185 acres which includes spring run stream, hydric hammock and wet lands. Pride of place, however, is the 45 foot spring into which millions of gallons pour every single hour.
This park has lots of different animals to view and is particularly known for nursing injured manatees back to health. Try to be in their part of the park when they are being fed. These big gentle sea cows get mega excited when the keeper approaches.
One final tip is always entrance from the pay station on the main road (by the supermarket)
Not only is this your chance to see their famous 2 headed turtle but you get a free boat ride down to the actual park entrance.
A volunteer will point out any points of interest along the way (including the giant spigers that hurl their way across the river; do not take the first boat out! ! ! )
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, Florida 34446
Phone: 352-628-5343
Fax: 352-628-4243
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, Inc.
4150 South Suncoast Boulevard
Homosassa, 34446
Visitor Service Provider
Evelyn Astore, Concession Manager/Gift Shop
Art Yerian, Park Manager
4150 South Suncoast Boulevard
Homosassa, FL 34446
(352)628-5343
Fax# (352)628-4243
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