How to meet TV Stars at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs was once the home of Hollywood’s animal stars as Ivan Tors Animal Actors were trained and housed for the general public amusement. The most popular was Buck who was the stand in for Gentle Ben but that was back in the 1970’s but he is not long with us today.

But one TV star is still enjoying her retirement at Homosassa Springs. Lu, the hippopotamus! She was declared a honorary citizen of the State of Florida after Ivan Tors closed for business.

The park itself changed ownership several time until the State of Florida purchased it as a State Park but this is more of a mini zoo and natural aquarium for visitors which has put into thinking both the welfare of the animals and the safety of the visitors of all kinds!

I loved visited! It has just over a mile of walkways to take you to all the different sights around the park. But they also are a great guide to get you to the place you want to see first.

The animals at the park who are residents are those that were rescued from the wild and can’t go back or in the case of two otters, rescued from humans that kidnapped them from the wild. These animals depend on the park and your support so please leave a donation.

The park also has area were wild life can enter and exit freely along the Homosassa River into the Homosassa Springs. This wild life include manatees, birds, and schools of fish that visit during the season.

The park has two separate parking areas. One which is close to the entrance (West).

But the another one offers has a tram and a 1.2 mile boat ride down the Pepper Creek or the Pepper Creek Trail which is only .75 mile walk which is wheelchair accessible and great for bird watching. It also offers a kennel for boarding your Olive Oil for your time at the park.

The owl was taking a nice little warming in the sun.

One of the greatest things is that the bears in Florida don’t hibernate so they are always out. They have a few different big cats as well.

Eagles and…

This bird who I am not sure if he is a resident or a visitor.

I love this place! Plan to spend several hours here. It was a wonderful place to enjoy all the local animals, fish, and manatees. Check the website before you go as they have feeding times for several of the animals in their care.

Books

As the mermaids of the sea, Manatees are some times called Sea Cows as they move slowly and eat grass check out this book on them.