Wildlife Survival Sanctuary is a ten acre exotic animal sanctuary located east
of Spring Hill,
Florida, near the tiny town of Masaryktown. Founded in 2000, it is a non-profit
organization operated completely by a volunteer staff. Their primary mission is
to offer a permanent home to abandoned or donated exotic animal species.
The sanctuary is not typically
open to walk-up visitors, although open houses are scheduled quarterly where the
public is invited to come see the animals and grounds. Tours are available all
throughout the year with an advanced appointment. The tours - which are provided
to individuals and groups - are reasonably priced and last about an hour and a
half. See the official website link below for tour information.
The animal population at the sanctuary changes from time to time. They typically
have a variety of large cat species, including tiger, leopard, cougar and
bobcat. As this was written (spring 2018), they also had ring-tailed and brown
lemurs, iguana, sulcata tortoises, emu and potbellied pig. Additional animals
are acquired from time to time. But it is the stated policy of the organization
not to breed or sell their animals.
Although Wildlife Survival Sanctuary does have a set fee for its tours, general
admission during open houses is on a donation basis. The organization emphasizes
that all donations and fees go toward operating costs and care for the animals.
A well-stocked gift shop is located on the premises, where many interesting and
unusual items can be purchased.
Education is a primary goal of the sunctuary, and volunteers are always on staff
during open houses to provide information about the animals in residence. Local
schools use the sanctuary for field trips where students learn about
conservation of animals in the wild, and why exotic animals do not make good
pets.
Activities & Facilities
Arts/crafts vendors
Zoo/animal displays
Short hiking trails