Step onto 35 acres at the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Citra, Florida, for a guided tour featuring lions, tigers, bears, and stories of rescue and survival. Discover a wildlife experience rooted in education and conservation.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect a slow-paced walk on uneven terrain
Wildlife
History
The sanctuary was founded to provide a permanent home for threatened and rescued exotic animals, emphasizing rehabilitation over entertainment.
Conservation
EARS plays a key role in advocating for wildlife protection and educating the public about the threats faced by big cats and other species native to Florida and beyond.
Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary
Step onto 35 acres at the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Citra, Florida, for a guided tour featuring lions, tigers, bears, and stories of rescue and survival. Discover a wildlife experience rooted in education and conservation.
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 Distance from Animals
Observe all enclosures from at least 4 feet away to ensure your safety and the animals’ comfort.
Leave Cameras Behind
No photography or video recording is allowed to prevent disturbance and stress to the animals.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Tour terrain includes dirt, leaves, and sand — sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Stay with Your Group
For safety and respect of the sanctuary, follow your guide and remain with your party throughout the tour.
Sturdy Walking Shoes
Provides grip and comfort on sandy, leafy trails throughout the sanctuary.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial when touring under Florida’s summer sun.
summer
Light Rain Jacket
Useful for spring showers that can start unexpectedly.
spring
Hat and Sunscreen
Protects your skin and eyes from intense sun exposure on exposed sections of the walking route.
summer