This attraction is an initiative of Florida Light and Power (FLP) which on seeing that manatees gather in the warm-water outflows at Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center, especially during cold weather, developed that area as an interesting scientific center where families could learn about these huge gentle mammals.
Their mission is “to not only educate the public about the relationship it has with these wonderful creatures, but to “inspire communities to preserve and protect Florida’s environment and wildlife for future generations,” they declare on the promotional material inviting persons to visit their free attraction.
Inside the educational center |
It is really a good educational center, especially for kids and an excellent initiative by FLP.
Our manatees are endangered and this is an environmental
center, but unfortunately, on the three other occasions I have stopped
there to see them, I was disappointed, as
they were up-river feeding.
In Florida I have seen many however, especially in
the St. John's River at Blue Water Springs; https://joan-myviews.blogspot.com/2022/02/hontoon-island-and-more.html.
Giving kids an education |
I still can’t get enough of manatees though, so, when my high school friend Sonja told me about this preserve operated by Florida Light and Power, I was ready to explore.
Rough seas today |
At one point, while inside the scientific center, we saw a few on the live loop
camera feed, but by the time we rushed outside, they had vanished.
Oh well, at least we discovered somewhere new and
maybe next time our luck will be better ( I hope).
And I did learn one thing which is that manatees are very distantly related to elephants
though their extinct ancestors.
As I keep discovering, all things are possible with the complicated science of evolution!
West Palm in the distance |
1 comment:
It's so pitiful to see when they die in droves and can't be helped. Gentle creatures.
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