It's not a zoo. The manatees come on their own for the warm water from the discharge from the nearby FPL plant. The cooler the Gulf and the Caloosahatchie are, the more manatees you'll see. When local water temperatures are 68F (20C) and below, you'll see a lot there. Lately temperatures have been a bit higher - 70s. Might not be a lot there. Best viewing is January and February.
I can't be sure, but have been told they are there year around because of the warm water from the electric plant.
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