5/5 stars If you're looking for a truly immersive and hands-on experience with elephants and other animals, Google Patricia Zerbini at Two Tales. This animal sanctuary is an absolute must - but only if you book the Extreme Encounter! We scheduled this for our group of four, and at $200 per person, it felt like a steal for the level of access and interaction we got. This isn't your average zoo visit; it's a deep dive into the world of animal care led by Patricia herself, who is a force of nature. Patricia has the no-nonsense personality of a football coach - tough, direct, and with a dry humor that had us cracking up throughout the tour. She's been working with elephants for over 50 years, raised four boys, and it shows in her commanding presence. The animals clearly respect her; otherwise, there's no way she'd be able to get so close and personal with them. We got to feed, touch, and learn about the elephants in ways that felt safe yet thrilling, all under her expert guidance. One thing to note: you only tour the areas designed for visitors, so don't buy into any complaints about limited space for the elephants. Patricia has a massive pool and over 20 acres for them to roam and graze freely - it's all about their well-being behind the scenes. Skip the standard tour entirely; it's not worth it. The Extreme Encounter is the only way to go for that wow factor. That said, this isn't ideal for families with small children - we saw some there, and it seemed overwhelming for the little ones. It's better suited for older kids and adults who can appreciate the educational depth and physical demands. Overall, a 5-star adventure that left us with lifelong memories. Thanks, Pat you are the legend of the longest line of legends! read more

It is hard to put into words all that this experience was to me. My Mom and I purchased the Extreme Encounter. The ability for the general public to be able to experience such an encounter is almost extinct. Extinct on many levels. Elephants are close to extinction because of human actions, apathy and irresponsibility. I appreciate Ms. Patricia and her family. Because of her love and respect for elephants and the trusting relationship she develops and maintains with her herd, we(the general public) have quite a rare opportunity to get so close to these amazing beings. I hope all hear and heed the need to understand the difference between animal welfare groups and animal rights groups. Animal rights groups like peta and hsus(completely separate or different than ones local human society rescues) are domestic terrorists and it is past time that they should be treated as such and held accountable for all their acts of terrorism and murders. Two Tails Ranch has to be on constant alert to curtail attacks and assassination attempts everyday. Much love and respect for what y'all do and still let people come see and learn about elephants. I am a Gulf War vet with PTS, MST and anxiety. I now relate better or more comfortably with non human animals. Being allowed to connect with Patty and her interacting with me are beyond words and meant the world to me. Thank you again and give her a good behind the ears rub for me! read more

I was very sad for days after I left this facility. I should have done my research as this is NOT AN ANIMAL RESCUE. The elephants were handed down from her father and she bought the other two elephants. They are not there to live out their days in peace. THESE ELEPHANTS ARE STRICTLY THERE FOR MONEY PURPOSES. THE ELDERLY ELEPHANTS ARE TRANSPORTED TO THE CIRCUS IN CANADA AND THE BARNUM AND BAILEY CIRCUS TRUCKS ARE RIGHT ON THE PROPERTY. I have been very ill and wanted to do something uplifting to my spirit and spend my money on something to help animal rescue. I was very sad to hear these are circus elephants only to be ridden and transported all over to do shows. I'm extremely sensitive to animals and the way the owner spoke to them with a stick in hand it was plain to see these are not the loves of her life. She unloaded us with statistics that were completely false as well as telling us the exact opposite about the elephant's demeanor. Saying they are not sensitive to things and if a mate dies they forget within a day etc. Just a total load of crap. All of her elephants are 35 years and up which is considered senior and she is using them for rides, pictures, and a traveling circus. IF YOU WERE EXPECTING AN ANIMAL RESCUE OR A LOVABLE PLACE I DON'T RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. read more

I visited Two Tails Ranch because their webpage gave the impression of some kind of non profit animal sanctuary. However during my visit I noticed several things that gave me the opposite impression. Here are the things I noticed: - The elephants are each caged in far too tiny spaces for their dimensions. When being asked about that, Patricia Zerbini answered that they just do not need more space, because they do not want to move at all, which is just a lie. ( home range of elephants in nature 15 - 3.700 km^2 !) - When they were doing elephant rides she used a bullhook! When I asked her about it she became a bit nervous and just stated she doesn't use it anyway and that they just always follow her naturally. - During her short talk in the beginning she was strongly arguing against animal rights organisations, especially PETA. Unfortunately, some research afterwards did not prove me wrong. Seems several animal rights organisations are having an eye on her since several years already. There was even an incident in 2013 where one of her elephants attacked a women seriously. If you want to do anything for this animals just don't make the same mistake I made and do not go there and do not support this cruel ranch. read more

Please think of these poor elephants before you go to this horrible establishment. These elephants should be in a sanctuary where they can live out their lives in peace. They should NOT be rented out to traveling circuses or for events or ridden by ridiculous people willing to pay good money to support a place that treats these magnificent beings like chattel. This is NOT an elephant rescue it's a for profit elephant interment camp where these beautiful animals are treated horribly. This place should be shut down. One can only hope in their waning years the owners of this dump get treated as they have treated these beautiful creatures. I hope someone can truly rescue these elephants someday so they can live out their lives with some dignity and peace. read more

If I could give 0 stars, I would. The place is a dump, and it's nothing but animal abuse. If anyone thinks it's ok to ride the elephant, you're wrong. The animals are not meant to be ridden on for hours on end, and then be hit with the bull hook because they aren't moving fast enough. The women who runs the place i witnessed hit the elephant because it stop to eat. They claim they saved the elephants from a circus, and now they are still abused by being forced to PAINT ( what? no animals aren't supposed to paint), to pose for pictures, be in shows? let's the elephants roam free, and stop having them preform in these stupid acts. And stop having people ride them. Do your research, riding the elephants is nothing but animal abuse. read more

After a horrific visit, bought as a well meaning but ill-judged gift for me as an animal lover, I'm just going to leave this link below here. This is not a sanctuary. It's animal abuse. Shockingly small enclosures, horrific treatment of the beautiful animals (elephants/tigers etc) and a rude obnoxious owner, masquerading as an animal lover. Google Patricia Zerbini and then the two tails ranch and see how she has been fined for illegally transporting tigers and how she makes her living renting out her animals to circuses. Disgusting. I hope karma comes around and dumps the motherload on her and her businesses. https://www.globalanimal.org/2018/01/24/10-worst-zoos-for-elephants-exposed/ read more

This was one of the most special and unique experiences ever! It was clear from the moment the tour started that the owners truly love and care about the elephants! The tour was incredibly informative - about elephants in general as well as the truth about how we can really help these beautiful creatures thrive, and keep them from becoming extinct. We added the photo op and the feeding to our tour, and were so glad we did! Getting to touch the elephants and see them up close and personal was an unforgettable experience for my whole family. If you want something special to do while supporting a good cause, be sure to check out Two Tails Ranch in Williston, Florida. read more

F-R-A-U-D-S. Misleading website. These people are complete con-artists, with legitimate animal abuse claims. They are also linked with various circuses. This place couldn't be farther from a sanctuary or retreat for the animals! Notice the crafty and choice wording in their "about us" section on the website. This is a glorified backyard in central Florida. These beautiful animals don't need to be farmed out to a circus many months of the year, they should be living their lives out in peace. Give the owner, Patricia Zerbini, a thorough googling before visiting this hell hole. What a shame. They should be shut down. read more

Went to Elephant Appreciation Day. Well organized event but doesn't seem like a sanctuary. Absolutely would not ride an elephant (bad for spine, etc). They handed out Animal Welfare/Animal Rights brochures, which was propaganda that certainly supported their cause. It demonized the Humane Society of the US, ASPCA, etc and stated that these groups want to abolish all pet ownership and a bunch of other nonsense. I cannot support a "sanctuary" that does not support the very rights that they should be promoting. They should be promoting conservation, education, etc and not circus performances. read more

WARNING: THIS IS NOT AN ANIMAL SANCTUARY!! No legitimate elephant rescue site allows visitors to ride the elephants or force them to perform tricks. Please educate yourself. This "ranch" is owned by the same family that operates the Tarzan Zambini circus; their own website shows photos of elephants and bears being forced to perform in the circus. There are many allegations of animals attacks as well as animal abuse. Other reviewers state that the elephants are enclosed in small spaces. Please, instead of supporting cruelty to animals, donate to a legitimate rescue instead. read more

What an amazing experience! This was my second time at the ranch. Patricia and her family are very knowledgable and take their time to answer any and all questions the guests have. I found the pricing very reasonable, especially when you think about how much it costs to feed an elephant. You can tell these elephants enjoy "performing" (painting, taking photos, being fed, etc.) They are well cared for and loved. I have loved elephants all my life and was very pleased with the ranch. It's well worth the drive! read more

This was one of those bucket list experiences of my life. My best friend and I just completed an Extreme Tour guided by Patricia and her staf. My dream of one-on-one interaction with Patty the Elephant brought the kid out in me. Patty was so friendly and you could tell all of the Animals on the ranch are treated with respect and well cared for. I even enjoyed feeding Mary the donkey. Because of my love for these creatures, I'm forever greatful and will be returning. read more

Please read the other reviews and warnings about this place. The animals cannot roam around, are forced to do tricks for extra money, and the entire place feels unwelcoming. At the introduction, the owner was rather rude to some questioners, and gave information that was not truthful about the elephants and her "ranch". Google Zerbini circus to find out more about this family. If you care about animals, please make a donation to a worthy cause and avoid this place. read more

This place is definitely not a "sanctuary" that's for sure! This is pure animal abuse and anyone who rides an elephant for their entertainment is part of this abuse!!! Do you seriously think that they enjoy riding you around all day??? No!! They deserve to be free and left alone to do as they please. Stop being so selfish humans!!!!! Wake up!!!!! read more

I did the extreme encounter and had the most amazing experience of my life! The elephants, caretakers, and the whole experience was so amazing. Patricia was so informing and answered any questions you had. I definitely plan on doing this again if possible and will cherish these memories! read more

DO NOT GIVE THIS PLACE YOUR MONEY. This is NOT a sanctuary or an animal rescue service. This place ABUSES elephants. Forcing your elephants to perform tricks for customers and give rides is ABUSE. The people running this place are terrible people. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES. read more

If you love animals, do not come here. They are treated horribly. Someone needs to shut this place down, they are breaking so many health and safety and animal engage welfare codes. Poor animals. read more

If you love elephants, DON'T FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT. I thought this was a sanctuary, it's no better than a circus with rides and forced tricks and bullhooks. Disgusting. read more