Credit to Jacksonville as we have a really fantastic zoo…read more Nicely laid out, well-staffed, clean, clearly marked trails, broken up with kids play areas, hosting a good range of animals from around the world. The new manatee habitat is gorgeous, and allows people to enjoy these gorgeous mermaid potatoes while they're treated and rehabilitated. The weather is the only negative, so plan accordingly with sunscreen, fans. hats, rain ponchos, money for the Kona Ice and Dippin' Dot vendors and so on.

I really hate leaving this negative review because I genuinely appreciate the role zoos play in…read moreconservation and education. That's why I was so disappointed by this visit. I hadn't been to the Jacksonville Zoo in years, so I was excited to see all the renovations. While the grounds look nicer, it also felt like there were far fewer animals than I remember. I was not able to find a several favorites, including the gorillas, cheetahs, and Florida panthers, and quite a few exhibits felt empty. I know animal collections change over time, but it just didn't feel like there was nearly as much to see. I was also disappointed to hear the koi fish had been transferred to another zoo since they were always one of my favorite stops. For me, the biggest issue was the value. Ticket prices have gone up, but I left feeling like I paid more to see less. The highlight of our visit was the people. The volunteers in the jaguar and rhino areas were incredibly knowledgeable and made those exhibits so much more interesting, and a staff member from a bird enclosure remembered us when we ran into them later in the day at the stingray exhibit. Those interactions honestly saved the experience. I have so many great memories of visiting this zoo growing up, which is probably why this visit was so disappointing. I really hope they continue adding to the animal collection because I'd love to have a reason to come back.

So beautiful and amazing you learn so much perfect for all ages! Please donate so important we save…read morethe species so big and giant and come early beat the crowds the staff is very helpful and so kind and knowledgeable thank you so much for your support your hard work I appreciate it so much! Thank you so all the work and dedication to the community and animals! From Lauren

I took 3 of my grandchildren here mid-day on a late summer afternoon. We thought it would be a fun…read morefor the kids to see the animals in their natural habitats. While the staff can't control the weather, it seemed as though they could've done more so that the animals would be more comfortable in the heat! The day ended up being miserably uncomfortable for us, as well as the animals. Some were impatiently pacing in their cages. Some were just lying around in the dirt. Two were recovering from surgeries. All of the animals looked well cared for and some were enjoying some snacks while we were there. Our "walking tour" included a walk around the facility to each animal's habitat and the guide discussing multiple facts about the animals lives and journey to the Reserve. Start to finish, it took about an hour and included a bottled water. I'd recommend strollers for your kids. It's an unsafe place to allow young children to wander around. The "public" restroom is a port-o-let outside the gated entrance to the reserve. It was just as clean as the ones at a football game/concert! There is no gift shop but they do ask for donations and give you a t-shirt in return. In movie terms, the reserve is the equivalent of a low-budget film. It's saving grace is the effort to keep these animals alive, but as they all grow, I feel like this "low-budget film will not be able to keep up with the demand! Too few employees for so many demanding large animals.

It is so cool and all the animals are so beautiful so clean and organized the staff are helpful and…read moreknowledgeable and very kind and caring very good talking care of the animals! It is so big space and remarkable very educational for kids good for all ages I learn and understand so much! We need to save the animals so important to save the species! Thank you so much please donate! Please come here during the fall and winter before the crowds! From Lauren

We recently took a tour with Jamie and had a terrific time at Xtreme Exotics Wildlife Foundation…read more Very well organized and thoroughly enjoyable. So many amazing animals to see and interact with!

Amazing! Where else can you hold a baby kangaroo, an otter and tiny baby monkeys. What a great…read moreexperience and super friendly and knowledgeable staff/owners! It was very clean and the animals look loved and cared for. We highly recommend and will be back!

From the owner: Wild Encounters is a hands-on exotic animal experience located in Alachua, FL. We offer private,…read moreinteractive encounters with a variety of friendly and well-cared-for species, giving guests the chance to learn, connect, and create unforgettable memories. From otters and kangaroos to parrots and farm favorites, every visit is educational, unique, and tailored to all ages. Book a personal encounter and experience wildlife up close in a safe, fun, and welcoming environment. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @wildencountersfl Facebook: Wild Encounters Inc.

We headed up to Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo this past Saturday. They were having a Party for the…read morePlanet Day. They threw a party for the animals and celebrated Earth Day. There's a lot to see at this little zoo. We saw lemurs, a tree kangaroo, Visayan Pig, squirrel monkeys, gibbons, Caracals, owls, a beautiful bald eagle, Herons, Cranes, Emus, Kookaburras, Gila Monster, tortoises, a Wood Stork and more! Hard to get photos through some of the fences. What a fun time!

Well worth visiting if up in Gainesville for a medical appointment as we were…read more Cleo the caracal was our favorite. Many exhibits with much vacant land awaiting "The Master Plan". Numerous helpful staff who I think are students at the college. Paths are unpaved and leafy, not wheelchair friendly, but fine for walking. Gift shop had minimal adult sized shirts and none featuring caracals. Yellow parrots nice eye candy.

We reserved the farmhouse for one night. We had a wonderful time wandering the farm and feeding the…read moreanimals. The farmhouse was very clean and extremely comfortable. It was funny having pigs under the house sleeping. I sat on the porch and listened to them snore, it was a riot. I've never heard a pig snore. The very best part was the look on my sisters face when she got to do the cow cuddle with the highland cows. It was a special surprise for her. Thank you Elaine for making our visit wonderful. We will be back.

I've been to Rooterville Animal Sanctuary twice, and both visits were totally worth the 2 hour…read moredrive from Orlando. The animals are well taken care of, the people working there are so nice and helpful and booking a highland cow cuddling session was amazing. You can even stay on site if you want that real "outdoorsy" experience - but it's perfect even for a quick day trip. Can't wait to come back again!

This company was amazing to deal with. They answered every time I called no matter what time. They…read morewent above and beyond to get paper work which was required for our school. They showed up on time and surprised us with extra animals. I can't wait to use them again.

From the owner: Critter Caravan offers pony rides and a petting zoo service for birthday parties, summer camps,…read moreevents and more. We also travel to senior homes, nursing homes and special needs facilities so everyone can enjoy our animals. For more information or to book us for your next party, contact us today!

for $20 it was a great thing to do especially in Williston the lady that does the presentation…read moreactually has been there since 86 and you need to really listen to her presentatio. los of good information about wildlife in general and how the change in habitats is affecting so many animals. i want to go back and do the day thing with the do you have a lot to take care of 67 acres so they charge to feed the elephants and things like that but I think it's money well spent

They really treat these creatures like human family. Was such an experience. Got to ride and feed…read morethem. There is so much room for them to roam more than any lame Zoo. They have a thing where you can bathe them. The people who run this are amazing. I know they have been through alot over the years and goad they are able to keep moving forward one giant paw at a time.

If you're looking for a calm, educational, and genuinely enjoyable experience in St. Augustine, the…read moreSt. Augustine Aquarium is a lovely hidden gem--especially for families and anyone curious about marine life. This isn't a massive, overwhelming aquarium, and that's actually part of its charm. The space is clean, well-organized, and thoughtfully designed to let you slow down and really appreciate the exhibits. You'll see a nice variety of sea life, from colorful reef fish and sharks to stingrays and local Florida species, all displayed in a way that feels both engaging and approachable. What truly sets this place apart is the interactive experience. The staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. They take the time to explain, answer questions, and make the visit feel personal rather than rushed. The touch tanks are a big highlight--hands-on, educational, and fun for kids and adults alike. It's a perfect stop if you want something relaxed, informative, and family-friendly without the crowds. Whether you're visiting with children or just want a peaceful break from sightseeing, the St. Augustine Aquarium offers a refreshing and memorable experience. A great little spot that's well worth the visit.

Such a cute smaller attraction off the beaten path of the Main Saint Augustine area. Definitely…read moreworth going for a small educational look and see of aquatic life. They offer snorkeling and their Upground aquarium along with a ropes course strung above the area. There's a smaller trail behind the facility that you can walk and explore on your own. Restroom is available and a small gift shop. You can purchase food to feed and or pet the sharks and stingrays. Great facility for smaller schools to visit they do offer summer camps as well .