Hundreds of manatees were “ringing in the new year” in the warm waters of a wildlife refuge on Florida’s western coast, conservationists said.
This footage from the Southwest Florida Water Management District posted on December 31 shows manatees congregated at Three Sisters Springs, a wildlife refuge in Crystal River where the waters “remain at a constant 72 degrees year-round,” according to the agency.
The marine mammals spend each winter in the balmy spot, then return to the Gulf around April..
The Southwest Florida Water Management District recently restored the shoreline around Three Sisters Springs, which it said “will help prevent future erosion,” improve water quality, and make the area safer for visitors. Credit: Southwest Florida Water Management District via Storyful