In the wake of last week's 'photo-op' presentation of a pair of rooster statues (http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15933589/ and http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15933700/), I thought I'd continue this 'theme' for this "Throwback Thursday", by presenting another animal statue I'd seen during 2007; but this time, it's a more apropos form of fauna from another part of Florida...

In early March, 2007, Funimal and I went up to Jacksonville, to attend the annual 'furry convention' known as "Megaplex" (formerly, "Pawpet Megaplex"). During a lull in convention activities, he and I took mass transit (above-ground rail) into the main part of town - joined by the con's 'guest of honor' MKaz - taking in an open-air mall next to the St. John's River, called The Jacksonville Landing (which is accessible by bus, train and boat).

Besides the many stores and its extra-large food court, The Jacksonville Landing had a number of interesting attractions. One that automatically caught my eye was a giant statue of a manatee (also known as the 'sea cow'), one of Florida's best loved aquatic creatures.

Just like the statues I'd posted last week, this manatee was decorated by an independent artist. This must've been the work of a totally 'starving artist', because said manatee was adorned (from head to tail) with all sorts of food!

I know this seems like a 'Hidden Pictures' game from "Highlights for Children", but see if you can find the various colorful edible objects - including a stack of pancakes, some bacon and eggs, a row of sausage links, hot dogs, hamburgers (and other sandwiches), an ice cream cone, an ice chest (containing squeeze bottles of ketchup and mustard) and slices of American cheese. Naturally, this yummy statue was located near the food court!

In future 'photo-op' presentations, I'll be posting more snapshots I'd taken (in Jacksonville) of additional animal statues - next time, a collection of various jaguars, each one decorated in their own unique way!