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Wildlife Survival Sanctuary
Wildlife Survival Sanctuary
5
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
Our mission here at Wildlife Survival is to rescue animals without prejudice. We do not intentionally breed, and we DO Not sell our animals! We do not take our animals out in public or allow direct contact with the public. We were founded to provide the animals we rescue with over-sized natural habitats where they can live out their lives peacefully while being provided with the best possible care they deserve. Our animals call the sanctuary their permanent home where they can be safe from harm.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
75 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
8
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Yessyhara
Venice, FL2,372 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
This is a very humble place. The sanctuary doesn't have a lot of money but they work very hard to care for the animals. We got our tickets on GroupOn but all the money goes to a good cause either way. Our tour gave us closer view of these large animals than I've ever had. We took the morning tour since it was August. It took a while at the gate (which isn't easy to find). We called on my cell phone and waited five minutes for a gal to walk up and open the gate for us. At first glance we saw some empty looking cages and a lot of overgrown grass and bushes. Once our tour began we realized that every cage had an occupant but they weren't easy to spot. Most were laying down in the shade or their shelters. Our guide took us to each animal and explained who they were, how they came to be at the shelter, and answered any questions they had. To lure some of the big cats out she gave them blood popsicles. Pretty gross but the cats loved them! I took a lot of photos but she offered to take some for me since she could get a lot closer. She held my cell phone right up to the chain link fence and took several photos that turned out really great! In addition to several large cats we saw ostriches, lemurs, and iguanas. We were able to pet the resident pot belly pig wandering the property and pet the large African Spiny Thighed Tortoise named Rufus.
Afterward we went to the small trailer which is their office and were allowed to each choose a laminated photo of one of the animals. It was a very non-commercialized experience and a really special trip.
THINGS TO KNOW:
Go early if it's going to be hot. You will be more comfortable and the animals will be more active.
Wear shoes that can get dirty.
Wear sunscreen and bug spray.
Bring drinks.
Take allergy meds if you're sensitive to walking in the grass.
You will be in tall grass and near a lot of bushes and scrub bush. A giant grasshopper crawled up my leg. This isn't a place for fancy clothes or high heels. One of the people in our group was on a mobility scooter so it possible to get around there without walking, you just won't get as close to the animals.
Afterward we went to the small trailer which is their office and were allowed to each choose a laminated photo of one of the animals. It was a very non-commercialized experience and a really special trip.
THINGS TO KNOW:
Go early if it's going to be hot. You will be more comfortable and the animals will be more active.
Wear shoes that can get dirty.
Wear sunscreen and bug spray.
Bring drinks.
Take allergy meds if you're sensitive to walking in the grass.
You will be in tall grass and near a lot of bushes and scrub bush. A giant grasshopper crawled up my leg. This isn't a place for fancy clothes or high heels. One of the people in our group was on a mobility scooter so it possible to get around there without walking, you just won't get as close to the animals.
Written October 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boyd F
Tampa, FL26 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
This is a very small Sanctuary and is a volunteer and only, It has a small amount of exotic animals, It is well kept very tiny and far away from us we live in south tampa. but took the trip.The animals are very well taken care of and look very healthy we found this on Living Social
Written June 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol M
Mongaup Valley, NY24 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
This was such a great experience for the whole family!! Our tour guide, Michael, was the absolute best. We arrived early and he showed us the animals, and the grounds before feeding time. He is so knowledgeable, and we learned so much. Thank you Michael! Don't miss this hidden gem. My grandchildren thought this was one of the best stops on our vacation!!
Written April 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you enjoyed your visit!! Thank you again for helping support the animals!
Written June 30, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathleen L
Port Richey, FL15 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
We live in Spring Hill and took our family to the Wild Life Sanctuary on a spur of the moment venture. We try to do a few things that are not theme park oriented when our teenage grandchildren visit and this was an excellent choice. We were all enthralled with the wildlife. Our amazing tour guide, Michael, made the visit an unforgettable experience. Can't wait to go back.
Written March 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for helping us support the animals! Michael will be back in November and December!!
Jim Moore
Written June 30, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenna L
Burlington, WI6 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
This is a nicely run private animal sanctuary. The owner and volunteers are really friendly and gave us a great tour on a gloomy afternoon. It was great to have our own personal group tour that just asks for donations that are all put towards the animals. There are many big cats that they all feed during our personal hour long hour. It was very cool to see the animals much closer than you would at the zoo. Great activity to do with the kids. Call ahead for tours ahead of time.
Written January 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dianne W
Dunedin, FL916 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Come for a walk by Susie the mother of the owner...she knows all the residents by name and habits. Yes, exotic cats...you can no longer have one in Florida. A 501 C 3. European volunteers pay to volunteer here for a week to a month or more. Emu, lemurs, pigs, ostrich, cougar, leapord. Small but unique gift shop. Reservations needed. Hidden Florida.
Written October 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JSC1208
Gaffney, SC15 contributions
Sep 2015 • Solo
What an awesome tour! Knowledgeable tour guide - informative - the cats were beautiful - a must see!
Written September 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allen C
America, The Netherlands125 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
This is a smaller animal rescue that we love. Have been there several times and love it. Go for the 6:30 feeding tour. Everyday but Sunday. Isbell the pig is the coolest. Look for coupon in living social.
Written July 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JDK-KC
Kansas City, MO63 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
We visited and enjoyed the animals on an evening feeding tour. Most are older animals who were victims of poor human choices. The cages appeared very clean. The tour itself was stretched a little too long, especially for the young kids in the group (and a loud crabby grandma) who were getting bored, restless and distracting as the narrator lingered at each cage. It took around 2 hours to see 10 or so cages of animals. We had to walk through tall grass/weeds to our knees a good bit which was itchy, if you have tall boots wear them. Stay near the guide to hear the stories and learn.
Written July 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AtlFolks
Marietta, GA297 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Very cool place at the Pasco/Hernando county line in the middle of "nowhere" Florida, but accessible from Tampa in just 45 minutes via the new Sunshine Expressway.
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and you will see panthers, lemurs, emus, tigers, and other exotic cats and animals closer than you would at a commercial zoo.
Tour was led by a couple of really nice young girls from, of all places, France. They are knowledgeable, but for our tour might have seemed rushed to beat the rain.
Would have appreciated more information on how the sanctuary got started, the histories of the animals that were there, and of course some data on both conservation and the problem of personal ownership of rare exotic animals. Perfect for teens/pre-teens who have an interest in animals.
All previous reviews are very accurate so read them for more info about what to expect during the excursion. Bring water and bug spray!
There is a donation jar in the office and everyone should pop a few bucks in as the place depends on donations and tour revenue to maintain the habitats.
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and you will see panthers, lemurs, emus, tigers, and other exotic cats and animals closer than you would at a commercial zoo.
Tour was led by a couple of really nice young girls from, of all places, France. They are knowledgeable, but for our tour might have seemed rushed to beat the rain.
Would have appreciated more information on how the sanctuary got started, the histories of the animals that were there, and of course some data on both conservation and the problem of personal ownership of rare exotic animals. Perfect for teens/pre-teens who have an interest in animals.
All previous reviews are very accurate so read them for more info about what to expect during the excursion. Bring water and bug spray!
There is a donation jar in the office and everyone should pop a few bucks in as the place depends on donations and tour revenue to maintain the habitats.
Written July 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our gift shop/ visitor center has ramp access. Our tours are on natural paths, which include dirt and grass. We have many people come thru with wheelchairs, powered and push style, so it is possible.
Written September 3, 2019
Is Wildlife Survival Sanctuary accredited by either the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums?
Written July 4, 2019
I have no idea, but they sure seem to do a good job with the limited resources that they have.
Written July 6, 2019
Is there a lot of walking and is it wheelchair friendly
Written February 15, 2019
The whole tour is walking. Takes about an hour or more. The property is flat so you could push a wheelchair. It is mostly grass but should be easy enough.
Written February 15, 2019
I'm in a wheelchair as I can't walk distances, however, I can walk with my cane to get close to the cages - will this work for me?
Thanks!
Written February 19, 2017
Just let us know when you book, and we would be happy to drive you around for the tour in our John Deere gator.
Written February 20, 2017
When they say "sanctuary," do they mean that these animals have been rescued from illegal poaching and captivity oeprations and cannot be rehabilitated, or is it more like a zoo?
Written October 3, 2016
Our animals come to us from a variety of different situations! The one thing that they all have in common is that they are in need of a home. We try to provide them the best permanent home possible.
Written October 4, 2016
Can you tell me how you got in touch with them? I have called 2x and left messages and emailed 1x. I have not gotten a response at all.
Written July 17, 2015
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