FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 2004
CONTACT: Leigh Ann Asklar (850) 245-2112

Homosassa Springs Wildlife Care Center Receives $500,000

--Felburn Foundation provides donation to move project ahead--

HOMOSASSA – Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock today thanked the Felburn Foundation for a $500,000 donation which will help build a new Wildlife Care Center at Homosassa Springs State Park. Slated for 2006 opening, this state-of-the-art wildlife care center will expand care facilities for the unique wildlife at the park.

“New environmental and educational opportunities are coming to one of Florida’s most unique parks,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “Thanks to the generosity of our partners, park staff and volunteers, construction of new state-of-the-art facilities will improve wildlife care and provide exciting research opportunities for University students.”

The new 4,400 square foot Wildlife Care Center will be double the size of the current facility. The funding will support the partnership between Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and the Felburn Foundation. This facility will aid the recovery of endangered wildlife including the West Indian manatee, Key deer, whooping crane and wood stork. The funding will also build an intern housing at the park for the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, giving students a hands-on learning experience in wildlife care.

“This project is a natural extension of our mission to help preserve and protect the wildlife at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park,” said Park Manager Art Yerian.

The grant from the Felburn Foundation will be matched by the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Partnership in Parks Program, dedicating more than $330,000 to the project. Construction of the new Wildlife Care Center is expected to begin in the spring of 2005.

The most popular park in the region with more than 300,000 visitors last year, Homosassa Springs is home to an underwater manatee observatory providing a unique view of Florida’s famed sea cows. A new 1,600-foot Wildlife Walk takes visitors along a boardwalk showcasing the natural habitats of bobcats, cougars, otters, bears and hundreds of birds.

A part of DEP, the Florida Park Service manages 158 parks covering more than 700,000 acres. Under the leadership of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida added eight new parks and more than 203,000 acres to its nationally-renowned park system, making it one of the largest in the country.