Tucked away in the corners of North Florida, the North Florida Wildlife Center is a hidden treasure for animal lovers. A three-and-a-half-hour drive from Volusia County and about 30 minutes east of Tallahassee, this ever-growing sanctuary offers a rare chance to get up close with some of the world’s most fascinating creatures.
What started as a passion project for founder Ryan Reines, whose deep love for birds led to the creation of an aviary, has since blossomed into a thriving wildlife center, home to a diverse array of species. Run by a dedicated team of curators, animal care specialists, and volunteers, the center first opened in 2019. It continues to evolve with plans of one day bringing even more animals in the future including giraffes, with every admission ticket, animal encounter, and donation helping to support its mission.
A RELAXED STROLL THROUGH A UNIQUE SANCTUARY
Unlike the hustle and bustle of larger zoos, the North Florida Wildlife Center offers a more intimate and relaxed experience. General admission allows visitors to wander the grounds at their own pace, soaking in the sights and sounds of the various enclosures. Avery was immediately drawn to the birds, eagerly interacting with the colorful and charismatic feathered residents that first inspired the center’s creation. Beyond the aviary, an array of exciting up-close animal encounters awaited us. For those looking for a truly hands-on experience, the center offers specialized animal encounters with creatures like lemurs, foxes, a sloth, kangaroos, giant anteater, and a variety of birds. Each encounter varies in price and interaction level, ensuring that every visit is tailored to individual comfort and interest. We opted for the lemur, sloth, and anteater experiences, and each one was unforgettable.
HANDS-ON ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Our first stop was the lemur encounter, and it was by far the most hands-on of the three. We were introduced to Saka and Akondro, a pair of resident ruffed lemurs, who were full of personality and curiosity. Their soft fur felt like a plush blanket, and they eagerly leaned in for their favorite kind of attention-armpit scratches. Avery was an instant favorite, with the lemurs continuously lifting their little arms, requesting more. The experience was equal parts educational and heartwarming, offering a rare glimpse into the playful and social nature of these fascinating primates.
Next, we visited Sid the sloth, who was tucked away in his cozy enclosure, lazily observing us with his signature slow-motion charm. Unlike the excitable lemurs, this encounter was a more slow-paced experience, but just as memorable. At the Wildlife Center, all encounters are voluntary – if an animal shows signs of stress or isn’t willing to participate, the session won’t proceed. It’s an important reminder that the well-being of the animals comes first, something we deeply appreciate. We were able to feed Sid and snap a few photos, but touching was only allowed under the guidance of the staff to ensure his comfort.
PLANNING YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
If you’re considering a visit, be sure to check the center’s schedule in advance, as most encounters are only offered twice daily and spaces may fill up. Closed-toe shoes are required, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. If an animal isn’t up for an encounter that day, refunds or exchanges for a different experience (if possible) are available. For those looking for an even deeper behind-the-scenes look, VIP tours are also available, offering a unique opportunity to see the inner workings of the center and meet even more fascinating species.
Of all the encounters we’ve experienced across Florida – first as a couple, and now as a family – we had never seen an up-close anteater encounter before. That alone made it impossible to pass up the chance to meet Bumi, the center’s main ambassador and one of the most unique animals on site. With his long, sticky tongue and powerful claws, Bumi is perfectly designed for scooping up ants and termites in the wild. We had the chance to feed him through long tubes filled with his favorite treat – crumbled egg yolk – and even give his scratchy head a gentle pet. At first, Avery hesitated as she watched Scott go first, grimacing at the sticky, slimy mess of Bumi’s tongue at work. After finally taking her turn and eying Bumi with caution, she deemed the experience, “super cool, but super disgusting!” In between feedings, Bumi took off with the zoomies, bounding around like an overgrown puppy, and had us all laughing as he hefted himself over the low wall for more snacks.
A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME SIGHT
One of the most unforgettable moments of our visit had nothing to do with our planned encounters. We were lucky enough to witness a newborn cotton-top tamarin, just less than 24 hours old. Sitting quietly on a bench, we watched as the dedicated care team observed the tiny primate’s parents, ensuring that everything was going smoothly. Given that cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered, it was an incredibly special moment – not just for the center, but for conservation as a whole.
THE CENTER’S MISSION
Many people wonder: why do facilities like the North Florida Wildlife Center allow visitors if preserving natural instincts is so important? The answer lies in education and awareness. Seeing these animals in person fosters a connection that books and documentaries simply can’t replicate. The center firmly believes that inspiring people to care about wildlife is one of the most effective ways to drive conservation efforts. The animals housed here are some of the ones most in need of help, or have injuries or experiences that will never allow them to return to the wild. Every admission ticket, encounter, and donation directly supports the well-being of the animals, funds conservation initiatives, and ensures that the center can continue growing and providing a safe, enriching home for its residents. The North Florida Wildlife Center is proof that small, passionate organizations can make a huge impact. Whether you’re cuddling a lemur, feeding an anteater, or watching conservation in action, this sanctuary offers a truly unforgettable experience. It’s a place where education, care, and wonder collide – and one that we can’t wait to visit again.
NORTH FLORIDA WILDLIFE CENTER
1386 Cook Road, Lamont FL 32336
(850) 347-0921 | NorthFloridaWildlife.org
Tue-Sun: 9AM-4PM | $19.95/adult
$14.95/child ages 4-15 | FREE children 3 & under
