St. Augustine Wild Reserve

The St. Augustine Wild Reserve is a non-profit corporation created as a rescue center for unwanted exotic animals. Many individuals obtain an exotic pet, only to realize that the animal's wild nature doesn't fit into their life (or their household) as they expected. This is where we come in. The Reserve will take in unwanted exotic animals as an alternative to euthanasia. Some of the Reserve’s animals came from abusive homes. Two wolves were rescued when their owner was involved in a fatal auto accident. Many of our animals were confiscated by wildlife agencies from individuals who held these animals without proper state permits, or who starved their animals, maintaining them in inferior conditions. Five Arctic wolves and an African lion were received from Michael Jackson, who no longer wanted them at his ranch near Santa Barbara.  The St. Augustine Wild Reserve offers tours on an appointment-only basis. We are not open to the public on a drop-in basis like the Jacksonville Zoo, however, we do offer tours three times weekly by appointment only. Tours are approximately two hours long, guided by an experienced wildlife professional, so advanced reservations must be made.