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.

Went to see the new exit and Manatee exhibit. The entrance is beautiful and you can see were a lot…read moreof care an attention was added to the fascade of the exhibition. There was an "art in the park" event so it was wonderful to see local artists set up to sell their creations. One downside of the new entrance is that the walk from the entrance to the tigers is very laborious, with no restrooms, water stations, or shade. It's not bad when it's not crowded, but I can imagine how terrible it will be when summer hits. It would have been nice if the walkway was had an overhead canopy of bamboo. It's also a very industrial area, interesting in a "behind the scenes way" (but completely out of harmony with the rest of the motifs of the zoo). Please note that the zoo is now 100% cashless, and there's a huge discount if you buy your tickets online in advance (or you risk paying up to 40 per base ticket). Overall I love the zoo, I can't wait to see their continued growth, I just wish their new walkways were more considerate of pedestrians and the mercurial weather of Florida.

Excellent in-depth tour of lions, tigers, bears, wolves, jaguars, and more! We got much closer…read morelooks at these animals than in other places my family has visited. The tour we took was 1.5 hours long. They broke us up into groups of about 40. We could always hear our tour guide easily, and she gave us a lot of information about each animal. The animals looked well cared for. For those who need a ride on the walking tour, there are golf carts. They provide bottled water, if you need it. Younger kids or those with shorter attention spans may get antsy or cranky, but I think it is a very enjoyable and unique tour. No photos are allowed on the tour for safety and logistical reasons. Honestly, it is nice to just enjoy the moment and not stress about optimal angles and lighting. A port-a-potty is available. The tour is a must-do in the area!

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.

The best experience for a minication. I was lucky enough to not know where I was going for my…read morebirthday and it was the perfect surprise! (My wife did great!) Not only is the location a perfect portal to a different type of Florida , but the wagons are all the way in the back so it's perfect privacy. There's also a tent outside to sit and watch pigs take a bath in the fountain. The wagon room we got was the Piggies room! Perfect decor and amenities inside(towels/shampoo/conditioner/tissues/coffee mugs /even games!) Huge bathroom with incredible shower.There is ac but we spent most of the time with the screen door and bathroom window open & it felt great. Included inside:mini fridge, toaster, coffee/tea (included),microwave and a small heater. Plenty of plugs to charge & a full length mirror. We love that there was no tv because we got to watch highland cows instead !! We also got to sleep to rain and it was so peaceful especially waking up every morning to new friends like pigs and sheep! We also saw: 4 highland cows!! , 2 different types of pigs, a family of sheep (+Anya the sassiest girl), cats, dogs, goats, turkeys (that like hugs but scared meee), guinea fowls, chickens and hens, mini horses and a peacock that sounds like Kevin from UP in the nighttime !! All the staff were super friendly including miss Elaine! Truly an incredible place to visit and get to feed pigs all day.

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!

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.

A wonderful place to learn about elephants (and the world) from Patricia…read moreI recently visited Two Tails Ranch in Williston, Florida. You have to reserve a spot online before you go. They will respond with a date and time to show up. The sign in the gate when you arrive says they open the gates 10 minutes before the showtime so you may be sitting in your car along the dirtroad if you arrive early. You are directed where to park and then choose what options you want (feeding, picture, ride) and they give you tickets for each item. If you are going to ride the elephant you cannot be over 200 pounds (there is a scale at the ticket counter). Once everyone is done buying tickets you go to the first top. Our group of about 20 sat in rows of chairs under the shade right in front of the elephant pen with Zika the elephant and Patricia Zerbini. She has decades of hands-on elephant care through her family's dedicated efforts. She is the real deal. She stands in front of you and will answer any question in a straight-shooting, authentic, and honest manner, no punches pulled. She shared her experiences about elephants past, present, and future while teaching us about their care and the importance of their current issues. After that, you move in a group to another enclosure with a different elephant where people can feed, get a picture and ride an elephant. I chose all three and found them each well worth the time and money. They are once in a lifetime experiences that I'll remember forever. Patricia then walked us around the ranch, showing us her tortoises, zebra, and lemurs. She will answer any question as she is touring the group around. We ended at the little museum and gift shop, packed with fossils, artifacts, and elephant memorabilia. Two Tails Ranch is a real hidden gem run with love and purpose. If you're even remotely interested in elephants, this is a must-visit. Patricia and her family are doing wonderful work. I highly recommend visiting and supporting their efforts.

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 .