Step into an extraordinary evening with Max the tiger at the EARS sanctuary in Ocala, Florida. Enjoy a private candlelit dinner while learning about endangered wildlife and conservation firsthand.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Basic physical health required; no strenuous activity involved
Wildlife
History
EARS, Inc. was founded to rescue and rehabilitate endangered species, playing a vital role in Florida’s animal welfare community.
Conservation
EARS prioritizes ethical animal care and educates the public to foster wildlife preservation in central Florida.
Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary
Step into an extraordinary evening with Max the tiger at the EARS sanctuary in Ocala, Florida. Enjoy a private candlelit dinner while learning about endangered wildlife and conservation firsthand.
Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS, Inc.) in Ocala, Florida, operates a 35-acre rescue and sanctuary that offers guided wildlife experiences and a unique private dining encounter. The sanctuary is home to large carnivores including lions, tigers and bears and provides both public and private 1.5–2 hour guided walking tours across its property.
Public tours present a structured, educational walking route where visitors learn the animals’ stories and see habitat areas up close. Private tours extend the same guided format with personalized focus tailored to visitor interests, allowing for deeper educational context and additional time with specific enclosures. Both tour formats are presented as guided experiences that move across the sanctuary’s 35 acres.
The sanctuary also offers a signature experience called "Dinners with Max," a private, candlelit dining event where guests dine nearby a tiger named Max. The dinner experience is presented as an opportunity to support EARS, Inc. while enjoying an intimate encounter that combines fine dining and wildlife observation.
Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary emphasizes visitor education through guided commentary and site-based interpretation. All public and private tours are described as guided walking experiences, and the property size provides room for multiple large-animal enclosures. Visitors seeking close-range wildlife encounters, educational tours, or a distinctive private dining experience in Ocala can choose from the sanctuary’s public tours, private tours, or Dinners with Max offerings.
Location
Ocala, Florida
Central Florida wildlife hub
Sanctuary Size
35 acres
Spacious natural enclosures
Tour Length
1.5–2 hours
Guided walking tours duration
Signature Event
Dinners with Max
Private candlelit tiger dinner
Secure a spot for a public tour, private tour, or the exclusive Dinners with Max tiger dining experience and support EARS, Inc.
Arrive on Time
Dinner starts promptly at 6 pm—arriving early ensures you don’t miss any of the experience.
Dress Comfortably but Neatly
Wear smart casual clothes suitable for an evening dinner with a wildlife ambassador nearby.
Follow Sanctuary Guidelines
Respect the animals and property by adhering to all safety instructions from sanctuary staff.
Photography Policy
Check with staff about photography rules; some areas and animals may have restrictions.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture memorable moments with Max and the sanctuary setting.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear shoes suitable for walking on sanctuary grounds.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Evenings can be cool in fall; layering is recommended.
fall
Insect Repellent
Keep mosquitoes away during outdoor portions of the evening.
summer