Today's excursion led us to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, in Citrus County, Florida. The park is located along a spring fed river, and is a permanent home for previously injured and rehabilitated native Florida wildlife, including a variety of wetlands birds and raptors, reptiles, black bears, cougar, bobcat, and manatees.

The only non-native fella residing at the state-run park is a hippo who once starred in a movie and television series. Apparently when the animal park was bought by the state in 1989, and it was decided that only Florida wildlife would be included, they could not find anyone willing to take the hippo -- so he will live out the remainder of his life at Homosassa Springs.

The highlights for the children were the boat ride from the visitor center to the park, and the manatee show.

Here are some more photos.