United States
Florida (FL)
Spring Hill
Things to Do in Spring Hill
Wildlife Survival Sanctuary

Wildlife Survival Sanctuary, Spring Hill: Address, Phone Number, Wildlife Survival Sanctuary Reviews: 5/5

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Wildlife Survival Sanctuary

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Wildlife Survival Sanctuary
5
75
#3 of 15 things to do in Spring Hill
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
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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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
75 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
8
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Yessyhara
Venice, FL2,387 contributions
Up close and personal
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.
Written October 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Boyd F
Tampa, FL28 contributions
Hidden Away
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.
Carol M
Mongaup Valley, NY24 contributions
Awesome place!!
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.
Majik96
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
Go glad we visited!
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.
Majik96
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.
Dianne W
Dunedin, FL985 contributions
Rescue Home for Exotic and Florida Species
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.
JSC1208
Gaffney, SC15 contributions
Fabulous tour
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.
Allen C
America, The Netherlands124 contributions
Great Sanctuary
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.
JDK-KC
Kansas City, MO69 contributions
Big Cats, long in the tooth
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.
AtlFolks
Marietta, GA282 contributions
Unique animal experience
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.

Written July 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MicheleN866
Jupiter, FL89 contributions
Once in a lifetime experience
Family
This place was recommended to us. We chose the night feeding tour. There are not enough stars to rate this place. The tour guides were very nice, informative and patient. You can tell that they really love not only what they do but the animals. They conducted the tour with respect to the animals. I could go on and on about this place. The owner is amazing and you can tell that he loves and cares for all of these animals above and beyond. It was an amazing experience that our whole family enjoyed and can't stop talking about. This is a must see!!! Loved it - thank you
Written July 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Majik96
Thank you very much for your support!!!!!! We hope to see you again!! Jim
Written July 13, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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