Otto M. Budig Manatee Springs thumb|Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) at the zoo Manatee Springs, a $4,500,000 attraction, opened on May 21, 1999, and was awarded the Munson Aquatic Conservation Exhibitry Award and a Significant Achievement Exhibit Award from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in 2000. The sights, sounds, and smells of Florida greet visitors as they enter Manatee Springs. Close-up viewing on both dry land, as well as dramatic underwater viewing of over 45 magnificent species provide an exciting experience for every Zoo visitor.
Otto M. Budig Manatee Springs thumb|Florida Manatee (Tri,chechus manatus latirostris) at the zoo Manatee Springs, a $4,500000 attraction opened on May 21, 1999, and was awarded the Munson Aquatic Conservation Exhibitry Award and a Significant Achievement Exhibit Award from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in 2000. The sights, sounds, and smells of Florida greet visitors as they enter Manatee Springs. Close-up viewing on both dry land, as well as dramatic underwater ,viewing of over 45 magnificent species provide an exciting experience for every Zoo visitor.