It is modeled after the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Florida which is a stronghold for diversity and one of the few remaining habitats to several species including the Florida panther, American crocodile, bald eagle and manatee among others. It is also home to dense mangrove forests, intense seasonal heat and a heavy mosquito population which makes the area inhospitable to humans. The goal of Manatee Coast is to present the manatees in the context of the community where they are found and highlight the importance of the mangrove habitat. Mangroves serve as nurseries and breeding grounds for many endangered as well as commercially important species. The Design Upon entering Manatee Coast, visitors embark on a journey through one of the islands that constitutes this grand and wild place in Florida.
Mangrove trees line a boardwalk winding through a simulated swamp to the muddy banks of the water.
Ahead a pool holds 190,000 gallons of water and five manatees. As the visitors move forward they approach a window which separates them from the water world of the manatees. The depth of the pool is 5 feet at its shallowest and 10 feet at its deepest. Guests will meander down a simulated dirt path and observe the marine mammals at varying levels. First they will see the manatees from above the water level, then as the path leads them down a slight incline they will catch a glimpse of the underwater adventure from eye-level with the water.