Three Sisters Springs, a wildlife refuge of warm-water springs in Crystal River, Florida, had to close on Monday and for half-a-day on Tuesday after being invaded hundreds of manatees.

WTSP-TV in Tampa Bay reports the marine giants are welcome at the springs, which are a natural refuge. Manatees migrate from the Gulf of Mexico annually in the fall to rest and feed in the warm waters, and the springs are part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge where tourists can visit to canoe, swim, walk and view the gentle, slow-moving creatures.

When more than 300 manatees suddenly entered the springs, however, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service asked the park to close for the animals' protection as per the agency's standard policy.

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