St. Augustine Wild Reserve is home to all the rescued exotic animals that puts them into protective care in the reserve. This wild reserve takes in unwanted exotic animals as an alternative to euthanasia. Some of the reserve’s animals come from abusive homes. Two wolves were rescued when their owner who was involved in a fatal auto accident. Many of the animals were confiscated by wildlife agencies from individuals who did not have proper state permits, or who starved their animals, keeping them in lower filthy conditions. To Deborah Warrick, the founder of this reserve, this was her calling to protect and help these animals who were in dire strait.

They offer tours of the St. Augustine Wild Reserve three times weekly by appointment only. Guests will be introduced to each species, told about the basic biology, and how the animal arrived at the sanctuary. Visitors will be allowed to be within 5-10 feet of the exotic animals, which are housed in secure habitats. Also on the tour will be the amazing white tigers, orange tigers, a very rare golden tabby tiger, cougars, servals, coatimundis, cougars, lynxes, leopards, and a host of wolves ranging in color from black to white.

They do not allow photography at the reserve as it may irritate some of the animals. However, a photographic CD of all of the animals is available at the end of each tour. Their goal is to educate the public about exotic animal ownership, to prevent future animal abuse. They transport various animals to schools, churches, and other outreach venues for educational presentations so that individuals may see what these animals are really like, dissuading them from obtaining such an animal as a pet.

• Not open on a daily basis like a large zoo need to be reserved in advance.

• Pizza Hut: Italian
• Sushi Bistro: Japanese
• Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Cafe, Sandwiches
• Outback Crab Shack: Grill

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