The Wandering Disciple

Lu keeps an eye on the crowd at Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. Lu, a hippopotamus, is the only animal of the park that is not native to the State of Florida. But he has been a resident of the park since 1964 and became an honorary citizen of Florida in 1991. Lu is the oldest hippo in North America and turns 60 in 2020. (Photo: December 28, 2019)

A black-crowned night heron stares into the marsh with intense concentration waiting to ambush its prey. The heron can be found standing still waiting to ambush unexpecting prey like small fish, frogs or lizards. But the heron is also very resourceful and is one of the few species of birds that bait fish. They have been known to throw edible buoyant items into the water within striking distance and wait for a fish to come and grab a bite to eat, then the heron snags the fish out of the water for a meal. (Photo: December 28, 2019)

A manatee slowly lingers in the warmer waters of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Every winter, the manatees migrate from the coastal Gulf waters into springs and inlets in search of warmer water. The manatees rely on the warmer waters to survive the cool winter water temperatures. Even in South Florida, the manatees still need to seek warm water refuges on colder days, seeking the warm discharge canals of power plants or run-off from warm springs that keep waters a comfortable 72 degrees for the manatees. (Photo: November 11, 2009)

In a wildlife park dedicated to native Floridian wildlife, one strange visitor pops up from the water.  While hippos are not native to Florida, Lu the Hippo is one exception.  Lu has lived at what is now Homosassa Springs State Park for so long, former Governor Lawton Chiles granted him citizenship.  Today Lu and all the other native Floridians can be seen from the boardwalk at the park.  (Photo: November 11, 2009)

A Florida Panther stands in the brush at Homosassa Springs State Park.  The park is a unique attraction that combines a zoo with natural Floridian fauna.  A nature trail leads guests on a walk through animal habitats featuring Florida native wildlife.  (Photo: November 11, 2009)

Sarasota, Florida:   Spring training is full swing throughout Florida and Arizona as major league teams prepare for opening day.  Over 7,400 fans packed Ed Smith Stadium to watch the Baltimore Orioles host the Toronto Blue Jays for some Grapefruit League action under the sunny Florida skies. The visiting Blue Jays jumped out to an early lead in the first inning.  They wasted no time, tagging the Orioles started Miguel Gonzalez for back to back singled to lead off the inning.  Justin Smoak later drove home Jose Reyes for the first run of the afternoon.  Then Ramon Santiago scored on an RBI double by Kevin Pillar to make it 2-0 Blue Jays. The Jays added to their lead in the fifth inning.  Munenori Kawasaki doubled to left, scoring Josh Tole to increase the Blue Jays lead to 3-0. The Orioles reached the scoreboard by posting a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh.  The Orioles loaded the bases with a single by JJ Hardy, a walk by Chris Davis ...

A red tail hawk is one of the many native Floridians on display at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The park is home to hawks, eagles, bears, panthers, bobcats and even a hippo. The animal habitats are situated along a nature boardwalk making it a one of a kind attraction. (Photo: November 11, 2009)

An alligator lies in the water at Homossassa Spring Wildlife Park. The park gives you the opportunity to get close to the wildlife in a natural setting of the park. The park features a nature trail that winds through the park with natural animal habitats spread along the way. You can view alligators, bears, bobcats, panthers, snakes, birds of prey, manatees and much more here. (Photo: November 11, 2009)

A fox lies by the fence at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. Operated by the Florida Parks System, the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park combines wild animals and hiking trails to make a one of a kind attraction. (Photo: November 11, 2009)

Homosassa, Florida: In the midst of dense tropical foliage lies home to many of Florida’s residents. Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park provides a walk into the habitats of the animals that call Florida their home. The park is home to bobcats, panthers, bears, birds of prey, manatees and many more Florida natives. The vision of the park began in the early 1900’s when the train that traveled through Homosassa would stop at the springs. Guests would disembark the train and marvel that the clear waters and abundance of fish that called the springs home. In 1940, the site was purchased and operated as a petting zoo style attraction. In 1964, the land was bought by the Norris Development Company. Although the master plan of the company was to build a city here, the beginning of the project led to what is now present day Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. The project began with the dredging of the creek, which exhausted much of the money that was set aside for the project. Then on a trip ...