Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park manatee dies

By Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 1, 2000

HOMOSASSA -- Star, one of Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park's manatees, died Tuesday at Lowry Park Zoo, officials reported Wednesday. The 13-year-old was the first manatee born at Homosassa Springs.

When she was transferred to the manatee hospital at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa on May 2, she weighed 2,560 pounds. Dr. Mark Lowe, the park's veterinarian and the park's staff had been concerned that the female manatee was lethargic and exhibiting a loss of appetite.

She was captured on April 18, and treatment was initiated. Star did not respond to treatment at the state park and was sent to the zoo.

Lowry Park Zoo veterinarian Dr. David Murphy administered intensive medical care to Star, but she did not respond. A necropsy was performed Wednesday at Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory in St. Petersburg. Results are pending.

Star was one of five Homosassa Springs manatees in Save the Manatee Club's Adopt A Manatee program. The club is sending a personal letter to each of Star's nearly 3,500 adoptive parents to inform them of Star's passing.

Safely dispose of your household waste today

LECANTO -- The Citrus County Division of Solid Waste Management and the Citrus County Hazardous Material Section will conduct a household hazardous waste collection program from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.today at the Citrus County Central Landfill on State Road 44. Citrus County homeowners may bring up to 50 pounds of chemicals for free disposal.

Acceptable materials include: pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, household cleaners, solvents, degreasers, pool chemicals, paint and paint-related products, fluorescent bulbs, aerosol cans, gasoline, and automotive cleaner and waxes.

For information, call Solid Waste Management at 746-5000.

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