Morikami is an enjoyable mix of nature and culture. In the original small museum, a collection of old photographs tells the history of the farmers and their families who came from Japan early this century. Japanese gardens and a new museum across the lake bring visitors from all over the world to see this unique place. We meet at Crystal River, a small community about an hour's drive north of Tampa. The relative warmth of the region's natural springs welcomes the largest group of wintering West Indian manatees in the world.
Manatees are gentle creatures, shy and somewhat reclusive.
Like several other mammals, such as dolphins and seals, the water is home. But manatees are not fish eaters as you might think. They eat only vegetation - the grasses and leafy plants at the water's edge. These are eaten in great quantities. A full grown manatee can weigh almost 2000 pounds.