THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary · Citra, Florida
In the heart of Florida’s vibrant wildlife corridor lies the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS), a unique refuge spanning 35 acres in Citra. This sanctuary offers thoughtfully paced public tours lasting 1.5 to 2 hours, providing visitors a rare opportunity to witness rescued lions, tigers, bears, and other exotic species in a setting that prioritizes animal welfare and education. Unlike traditional zoos, EARS focuses on rehabilitation and lifetime care for animals that have been displaced or mistreated, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in wildlife conservation as well as up-close natural history.
Guided walking tours move gently across the sanctuary’s comfortably wooded and open terrain, allowing guests to absorb the natural Florida habitat and hear compelling narratives about each animal’s journey – from their origins in the wild to their new home at EARS. The sanctuary’s carefully designed enclosures recreate elements of native environments, supporting the animals’ physical and psychological health while educating visitors about the challenges these species face in the wild.
What sets the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary apart is its fusion of immersive wildlife viewing with a strong conservation message. Visitors learn about the ecology of these predators and the importance of protecting their habitats amid Florida’s rapidly changing landscape. Though located just outside the small town of Citra, the sanctuary draws nature lovers and families from the nearby metropolitan area, offering a balancing act between thrilling encounters and mindful respect for the animals.
Walking through the sanctuary’s grounds, you may spot a rare white tiger’s ghostly stripes in the distance or hear the low rumble of a lion, reminding you of the wild’s enduring spirit. For outdoor enthusiasts and animal advocates alike, EARS offers a grounded, unforgettable window into Florida’s remarkable—and often endangered—fauna.
easy.
1.5–2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect a slow-paced walk on uneven terrain
No, photography and video recording are prohibited at all times to avoid disturbing the animals.
Yes, but all small children must be kept in strollers or held throughout the tour for safety.
No, contact with any animals is strictly forbidden to protect both visitors and wildlife.
Group size varies, but tours are designed to maintain a small, manageable number for safety and engagement.
The terrain includes dirt and sand paths, which may pose challenges; please contact the sanctuary for details.
Tours start at 2615 E Highway 318, Citra, FL 32113. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
The sanctuary was founded to provide a permanent home for threatened and rescued exotic animals, emphasizing rehabilitation over entertainment.
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 (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.
Book with Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary