REL 3938 Assignment 9: Homasassa Springs

REL 3938 Assignment 9: Homosassa Springs

When I first arrived at Homosassa, I spent quite a bit of time in the main building that exhibited a lot of history.  I enjoyed this exhibit quite a bit.  I also loved how they had pictures and a diorama of the early town.  The history helped me paint a picture of how the park progressed through the ages.  I found it interesting that one of the first main attractions in the area was a fishing competition.  According to the exhibit’s information, this fishing bowl seemed to be the starting point as to what drew people to the area.  Another heavily emphasized part of the area’s history was the railroad.  Not only did this mode of transportation bring resources and supplies to the locals, people from out of town used the train in order to visit the area.  Later in the century however, people began coming for things besides just fishing. 

One of the attractions at the park were the animals.  Unlike a normal animal at a zoo, some of these animals were made famous through TV and movies.  An example were the animals owned by Ivan Tors, such as Buck (a bear who would substitute for Gentle Ben) and Lu, a hippopotamus.  Interestingly enough, the locals’ love for this hippo is so strong they were able to get Lu to become an honorary citizen of the State of Florida, which is the main reason she has been able to reside in the park. 

            Just as it was about half a century ago, the main attractions at Homosassa are still the animals, especially the exotic animals such as manatees (debatably exotic) as well as Whooping cranes, red wolves, and key deer (according to their website).   However, something that has not remained constant is the treatment and preservation of the animals.  As time has passed, people have become more aware and knowledgeable of animal protection.  Such can be observed with how Homosassa Springs has developed since the park has shifted from an animal attraction to wildlife preservation.  An example is Lu the hippo: just as we were informed in class, people used to come to the park to practically hand-feed Lu with food meant for humans.  However, now that the park workers know how to take better care of animals (as opposed to feeding hippos food that hippos shouldn’t eat), Homosassa has shown it to be an exemplary preservation, which is quite a difference than simply an animal attraction.

            I am sad to say that I am not familiar with Flipper, Gentle Ben, and Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion.  But I can say that I know them now!  Because of this enlightenment to historical pop culture, I believe it is important that we make parks such as this one known so that more people can have a revelation such as mine (and thereby understand the importance of preserving such parks).