Discover the rare opportunity to get behind the scenes with small wild cats like Ocelots and Caracals at Panther Ridge. This hands-on, educational experience highlights conservation efforts while offering a memorable encounter with exotic feline species.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, no specialized physical condition required
Wildlife
History
Panther Ridge was founded in 1995 with the goal of rescuing and rehabilitating native Florida wildlife as well as providing sanctuary for exotic cats.
Conservation
The center actively supports wildlife rescue efforts and educates visitors on habitat loss and species protection, promoting sustainable practices.
Panther Ridge Conservation Center
Discover the rare opportunity to get behind the scenes with small wild cats like Ocelots and Caracals at Panther Ridge. This hands-on, educational experience highlights conservation efforts while offering a memorable encounter with exotic feline species.
Panther Ridge Conservation Center is a Florida-based conservation and wildlife education facility located in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida. The center focuses on providing guided tours and supervised, keeper-led experiences that allow visitors to learn about and observe a variety of wild cat species in a managed environment.
Visitors can select from multiple public and private experiences that range from introductory guided tours to extended keeper experiences. Several programs include direct interaction with keepers for activities such as diet preparation, enrichment creation, and close observation of animal behavior. Notable offerings listed by the center include the Head Keeper Tour, Regular Guided Tour, Small Cat Experience, Cheetah Walk/Painting, Big Cat Experience, and Twilight Hours.
Twilight Hours are offered seasonally from October through May and provide a timed opportunity to observe cats during active evening periods. The Small Cat Experience highlights species such as Caracals and Ocelots, while the Big Cat Experience includes species like Jaguars, Leopards, and the Florida Panther. The Cheetah Walk/Painting and keeper experiences emphasize education, animal care routines, and supervised, safety-focused engagement.
Panther Ridge Conservation Center presents these programs as educational encounters designed for guests who want a closer look at wild cat care and behavior while following staff-directed safety protocols.
Location
Loxahatchee Groves
Based in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida
Tours Offered
6 experiences
Head Keeper to Twilight Hours
Seasonal Hours
Oct–May
Twilight Hours run seasonally
Species Focus
Small & Big Cats
Caracals, Ocelots, Jaguars, Leopards, Panthers, Cheetahs
Book limited-capacity tours and seasonal Twilight Hours (available October–May) to secure hands-on, keeper-guided access to Panther Ridge Conservation Center.
Book in advance
Ensure your spot as this experience is popular and limited in availability.
Wear comfortable clothing
Dress for outdoor activity and potential contact with animals, including closed-toe shoes.
Bring sun protection
Use sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses to stay comfortable during the outdoor tour.
Respect wildlife boundaries
Always follow guide instructions to keep both visitors and animals safe.
Comfortable walking shoes
Proper footwear for walking and standing during the guided tour.
Sun protection gear
Hats, sunscreen, or sunglasses to shield from the sun.
Camera or smartphone
Capture your experience with the amazing cats.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the visit.