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21 Animal Sanctuaries in Central Florida You’ve Gotta Visit Before, After, or Instead of Your Disney Trip
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items If you’re an animal lover, skip the crowds and mouse ears — this is the real Florida magic. I made this bucket list of all the animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehab centers in Central Florida that are doing amazing work (and YES, most of them let yo...
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Wildlife and Exotic Animal Sanctuaries
Farm Animal and Equine Sanctuaries
Marine and Aquatic Animal Sanctuaries
Wildlife and Exotic Animal Sanctuaries
These sanctuaries give rescued wild and exotic animals a second chance at life, and many let you get up close (safely, of course).
Ever wanted to pet a sloth? This place lets you get up close with exotic rescues like lemurs and porcupines. Comment "SLOTH MODE" if this one’s on your bucket list, too! 💤
Visit Amazing Animals Inc. in St. Cloud, Florida
This hidden gem rehabs owls, hawks, and bald eagles! Would you rather meet a sleepy owl or a fierce falcon? I'm an owl girlie! Drop 🦉 or 🦅 in the comments!
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Falcon flight demos and eagle rehab? YES PLEASE. Tag someone who needs to see this place in real life. 🐦💨
Avian Reconditioning Center
You’ll meet foxes, raccoons, and even bobcats who were rescued and rehabbed. Who else wants to hug a raccoon? (Okay maybe not hug… but still.)
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge
Big cats. Monkeys. Reptiles. Private tours only — who’s down for a girls' trip to pet a tiger? 🐯✨
The C.A.R.E. Foundation Wildlife Sanctuary
Rhinos, cheetahs, lemurs, oh my! This place is safari-level wild. Type “SAFARI ME” if you’d ride shotgun in the safari buggy!
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Lions, tigers, and seniors like me. 😂 Who’s brave enough to walk a tour path lined with big cats?
Big Cat & Wildlife Reserve
This is #1 on my list because it's so close to me! They have lemur yoga. I REPEAT: LEMUR. YOGA. Would you do a downward dog next to a real-life lemur? 🧘♀️🙊
Chase Animal Rescue And Sanctuary
Baby gators are heavier than you think! If you’ve ever wanted to hold a snake or feed a gator, this is your wildest dream come true. Be honest: snakes — yay or nah? 🐍
Croc Encounters
They only open twice a month, but the behind-the-scenes stories are worth it. Want the secret password for one of their exclusive tours? Drop a 🐾
Forest Animal Rescue Wildlife Sanctuary
Hand-feed lemurs and see zebras up close — in Florida! Want to take a camel safari or stick with the Jeep? 🐪
Safari Wilderness Ranch
Old monkeys, rescued chimps, and a lot of heart. These guys are just vibing. Who’s your favorite primate?
Suncoast Primate Sanctuary
Feed giraffes, ride camels, and safari through a real Florida savanna — yes, it’s as magical as it sounds. Who’s down to kiss a camel and call it self-care? 🐫💋
Giraffe Ranch | Florida Wildlife Park & Giraffe Farm
I can't wait to visit this place! This forever home for over 300 monkeys is pure primate paradise! Most residents were former lab monkeys or failed pets, now living their best tree-swinging lives.
Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary
Farm Animal and Equine Sanctuaries
I love singing to cows! Cows, pigs, and Moo-ket markets! If you’ve ever wanted to hug a cow, this one’s for you. 🐄💕
Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
You can ride, volunteer, or just hang out with rescue horses. Saddle up! Who wants to trot into their cowgirl era with me? 🐎🤠
DreamCatcher Horse Rescue
Vegan-friendly, pig-hugging, RV-glamping sanctuary. This one’s got my heart. Would you camp at a pig rescue? 🐖🏕️
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary
Marine and Aquatic Animal Sanctuaries
This place is famous for rehabilitating dolphins (such as Winter the dolphin from the movie!), sea turtles, manatees, otters, sharks and more! Who else cried watching Dolphin Tale? 🐬😭
Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Florida's Marine Life Rescue Center
I am definitely in love with Manatees, panthers probably not, and they have underwater observatories. This place is unreal. First animal you’d visit: manatee or panther?
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Touch tanks, sea turtle rehab, and birds too! Would you rather feed a stingray or help release a sea turtle?
Marine Science Center
Free to visit, and full of pelicans and seabirds healing in the salty air. Drop a 🌊 if you’re into beachy bird vibes!
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary