10 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries In Florida, The USA

1. Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary has been a shelter for rescued animals. Backed by volunteers and the funds coming from the visitors, they are able to continue their operation; their mission to be a sanctuary for wild animals that are endangered from various illegal human activities and other elements that threaten their survival in the wild. Some of the animals that they’ve rescued from abuse and injury are lions, mountain lions, and other big cats. Speaking of wild cats, they’ve got the rare white tiger, too. The sanctuary also houses foxes, bears, otters, and several species of birds.

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: 41660 Horseshoe Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982, United States

Website: Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 12pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm

2. Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary houses several species of birds. This 436 acres (176 hectares) park was once home to Ais Indians, who left in the early 18th century. There’s a bird watch tower built for people who could use a nicer view of the many types of birds that roam the area. The Old Humpbacked Troll Bridge is a spot in the sanctuary where you can catch fish. Some of the different types of birds you’ll get to see here are the belted kingfisher, white and brown pelican, and wood stork. There are times when dolphins play around the lagoon. Alligators may be present here, and their dormant season is said to be between October and May, but caution is still advised at any time of the year.

Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: 805 Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952, United States

Website: Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

3. Central Florida Animal Reserve

This animal reserve is a place for abused, injured, and sick wild cats. Some of the big cats they’ve rehabilitated are cougars, tigers, leopards, lions, and more. They are accepting donations or volunteers to help them manage the sanctuary. If you’d like to tour this site, you will need to book it online through their website. Tours are guided and cannot be done without a professional guide, to ensure that the sanctuary’s rules and regulations are strictly followed. Smoking or vaping is strictly prohibited within the premises, and only children above 10 years of age are allowed to join a tour.

Central Florida Animal Reserve

Address: 500 Broussard Rd, St Cloud, FL 34773, United States

Website: Central Florida Animal Reserve

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 4:30pm (closed on Mon - Fri)

4. Shy Wolf Sanctuary Experience Center

This center takes care of the exotic animals that are rejected by the animal centers and services run by government and zoos. The very first animal that the owners of the center rescued was a Black Asian Leopard named Moondance. It also houses other wild animals, such as cougars, wolves, wolfdogs, and foxes. The center has helped more than 1,260 animals already, but they are still open to rescuing more animals in need. If you want to adopt a dog, they regularly post dog pictures on their website, so be sure to visit to check the current dogs available for adoption. A visit to their site is by appointment basis only.

Shy Wolf Sanctuary Experience Center

Address: Naples, Florida

Website: Shy Wolf Sanctuary Experience Center

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 11am (closed on Tue & Thu)

5. Big Oak Wolf Sanctuary

Big Oak Wolf Sanctuary is a refuge for the abused wolves, dogs, and wolf dogs. Due to the sensitive nature of these animals, the sanctuary doesn’t allow visitation so as to avoid causing stress to the animals. However, if you apply as a supporter or a long-term volunteer, you’ll have the privilege of caring for these creatures personally. In the case of applying as a volunteer, it isn’t a walk in the park because you’ll have to commit to a certain schedule and rules, that is to say, you really have to be serious and are not just looking for a noble experience.

Big Oak Wolf Sanctuary

Address: 6114 Woodard Lane, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043

Website: Big Oak Wolf Sanctuary

6. Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a great place for tourists who love bird watching. The park is home to wood ducks, rock doves, belted kingfisher, and a myriad of other bird species, so you’ll be delighted especially if you are to bring binoculars. Other than birds, you might also encounter several species of amphibians, reptiles, small insects and arachnids, too. And we’re just talking about animals. The park is also home to many species of plants. So, there’s definitely a lot in store for you. Not to mention the various activities you can do here, such as hiking the Anhinga Trail and boating on Florida Bay to chance upon dolphins, alligators, and manatees.

Everglades National Park

Address: 40001 SR-9336, Homestead, Florida

Website: Everglades National Park

7. The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top destinations for both local and international tourists. They’re on a mission to provide shelter to abused, sick, and hurt wild felines, such as pumas, lions, and leopards. They are also extending their help to other species, such as foxes, and coatimundis, which they consider as ‘honorary cats.’ Tours to the sanctuary are all guided, ensuring each visitor’s safety, and the rules and regulations of the sanctuary are strictly adhered to. While there’s a small fee for adults and young adults, children two years and under can enter for free.

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: 1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States

Website: The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 1pm - 3pm; Fri - Sat: 1pm - 3pm, 6pm - 7:30pm

8. Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc.

Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc. is a non-profit organization on a mission to help wild animals in need of a place to call home, where they won’t be hurt, and instead, be taken care of with love and compassion. The organization is solely run by volunteers, funded by donations from members, supporters, and visitors. They accept people who are willing to offer help to the organization. The current roles they need are keepers, tour guides, and other maintenance positions.

Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc.

Address: 13910 Seminole Trail, Wimauma, FL 33598, United States

Website: Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc.

9. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary doesn’t only provide assistance to wild animals that need care, they also have many sites where you can learn about animals, their habitats, and how you can help them. They also have nature trails, where nature lovers can take delight at the various local wildlife, such as the American bald eagle, panthers, foxes, and otters. It is free to visit the sanctuary, but if you feel like being part of their mission to conserve wildlife and natural resources, then you can help by donating any amount that you wish to donate.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: 2500 Jupiter Park Dr, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States

Website: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 10am - 4.30pm (closed on Fri - Tue)

10. Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida

Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida takes care of indigenous wild animals that are either orphaned or injured. They see to it that each animal is healthy enough before releasing them back into the wild. However, not all animals can be released, which is why they have 100 animals in their care, mostly birds like eagles, hawks, and owls. You can visit these birds and show some love by giving a small donation for the sanctuary’s cause. They are also accepting volunteers to help them manage the animals, so if you have the time, you can send them your application by following the instructions on their website.

Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida

Address: 105 N S St, Pensacola, FL 32505, United States

Website: Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

Support wildlife conservation

Wildlife sanctuaries in Florida take care of several wild animals. They also help conserve some of the most endangered species on the planet. Help support their cause by visiting their sites. To get started, check out our above list of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Florida, the USA.