Homosassa Springs - Underwater Manatees

This live underwater camera dives into the spring at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Florida, showing the West Indian manatee, the state's most beloved aquatic mammal, swimming with schools of fish through crystal-clear water. The park is a year-round sanctuary for two resident manatees that cannot be released due to injuries, and it also serves as a rehabilitation facility for injured or sick manatees before release. From April 1 to November 15 the resident manatees live in the spring and can be seen on camera; in winter they move to another area of the park and a gate is opened so wild manatees can use the warm spring as a refuge. Manatees are herbivores, rest for up to 12 hours a day, and their ancestors have lived in Florida for about 45 million years. A stream from the explore.org network, in partnership with Save the Manatee Club.