As our real estate agents know, even in Florida's vibrant cities, you're never far away from the wonders of nature. Now that the holidays are over, enjoy a visit to one of these fascinating animal sanctuaries in the Sunshine State.

Top Animal Sanctuaries in Florida

Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge - Vero Beach, FL

Address: 4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Thanks to a commitment to promote community-level conservation, Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is more than just a sanctuary for animals. As the first refuge designated for the recovery of endangered and threatened plants, the site features a rare vegetation community of Florida scrub.

Some of the animal and plant species found in the refuge include:

• Gopher tortoises
  
  
• Wild turkeys
  
  
• Florida greeneyes
  
  
• Scrub plum

Daily hours for the pet-friendly refuge are 90 minutes before sunrise until 90 minutes after sunset. Admission is free.

Florida Wildlife Hospital - Palm Shores, FL

Address: 4560 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, Palm Shores, FL 32935

Founded in 1973, the Florida Wildlife Hospital is a learning experience for the whole family. Carlton and Gladys Teate's humble at-home facility has grown into a state-of-the-art wildlife care facility with no state or federal funding. They treat more than 5,000 "patients" each year at no charge.

The hospital is open from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., 365 days a year, to admit animals in distress.

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge - Orlando, FL

Address: 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Rd., Orlando, FL 32832

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge is dedicated to the four R's:

• Rescue 
  
  
• Raise 
  
  
• Rehabilitate
  
  
• Release

As the largest non-profit public wildlife rehabilitation facility in Central Florida, Back to Nature is home to emus, goats, bobcats, and more than 25 additional species.

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. A $10 donation per visitor aged 4 and up supports the refuge's mission.

St. Augustine Wild Reserve - St. Augustine, FL

Address: 5190 Farm Creek Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32092

Rescued dogs and cats often find their way into a forever home, but what about more exotic animals that are unwanted or abused? St. Augustine Wild Reserve has made it its mission to provide these beautiful animals with a comfortable place to live for the rest of their lives.

The reserve offers a rare opportunity for visitors to come face-to-face with exotic species such as: 

• African lions
  
  
• Coatimundis
  
  
• Jaguars
  
  
• Hyenas

Tours are by reservation only. Visit the website for times and prices.

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary - Jacksonville, FL

Address: 1860 Starratt Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32226

How entertaining is a visit to Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary? TripAdvisor named the facility as the #1 attraction in Jacksonville. Caddy Shack numbers bobcats, cougars, and caracals among their permanent "residents."

Visit the website for daily schedules and prices.

Get the Best of Both Worlds With a Home in Florida

Enjoy the advantages of city life without sacrificing access to the great outdoors. Contact us to learn more.