Journey through 35 acres at the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary, where private walking tours offer rare access to lions, tigers, bears, and more. Tailored to your interests, these tours reveal the powerful stories behind Florida’s rescued wildlife.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires lightweight walking on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The sanctuary focuses on rescuing exotic animals often confiscated from illegal ownership or poor conditions, giving a second chance in Florida’s natural environment.
Conservation
EARS practices sustainable care by educating visitors on wildlife preservation and maintaining habitats that respect the natural behaviors of rescued animals.
Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary
Journey through 35 acres at the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary, where private walking tours offer rare access to lions, tigers, bears, and more. Tailored to your interests, these tours reveal the powerful stories behind Florida’s rescued wildlife.
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.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Always stay at least 4 feet away from enclosures to protect both you and the animals.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Expect walking on natural surfaces like dirt and leaves; sturdy shoes will keep you steady.
No Photography Allowed
All cameras, phones, and recording devices must be stowed during tours to minimize stress on animals.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour to ensure a smooth start.
Sturdy walking shoes
Protect your feet and provide traction on dirt and leaf-covered paths.
Wide-brimmed hat
Shields your face from intense sun during warmer months.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the tour, especially in Florida’s heat.
Lightweight long sleeves
Provides protection against insects and cooler breezes in fall and winter.
fall