Over February break, I traveled to Florida were I took pictures of many animals, both in the wild and in parks or aquariums, from West Palm Beach to Clearwater.
At the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in West Palm, sea turtles such as Citrus are treated for injuries and other health issues until they can be released.
Sandpipers, pelicans and seagulls can commonly be found along the beaches on both the east and west coasts of Florida.
Many gators can be found in one of Florida's man-made swamps and they vary greatly in age, from less than a year to over a decade. The one above was estimated to be 12 feet long before it dove beneath the water.
Several pairs of osprey (on the left) and other birds have nests in the previously mentioned swamp as well.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, most famously known for its rescue of the bottlenose dolphin Winter, rescues injured marine life and rehabilitates them until they are ready to be released. Some, such as Nicholas (above), are permanent residents as they were unable to learn the skills necessary to survive in the wild.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home is many different species of birds, including the wood stork (left), crested caracara (top right), and brown pelican (bottom right). While they were all on the endangered or threatened species list, their populations have been increasing and are no longer endangered.
Roseate Spoonbill (left) and Bald Eagles (right) can also be found at Homosassa State Park along with many other species, including manatees and a hippo.