endangered animal rescue sanctuary

A local thought it was a rescue site, not an attraction. They have obviously not taken the tour. Supported totally by donations; two 90 minute tours a week only. It has been salvation for so many big cats.

We live close by and have donated freezer burned meat to them in the past. Had no idea they were an attraction, thought they were simply a rescue. When temps and humidity are just right, we hear the roar of the lions at our home (about a mile as the crow flies) at night.

This is much more than a visit to a zoo. Here, guides who love these animals describe their varied histories and personalities. Not just for Deborah but for all the staff, this rescue sanctuary is a calling, a way of life. Thanks to them all for their kindness to the big cats and to the humans who come to see them.

great place to take the kids to see exotic animals as Lions and tigers. All the animals were rescued from unwanted owners or people whom had the big cats as pets. Very clean sanctuary.

If your in Ocala check this place out. Rescue center for big cats rescued from various parts of the country. Animals have been rescued from various parts of the country and you will see lions, tigers, a liger, monkeys, cougars, black bears and many others. The facility is very clean, animals look very well cared for and it is a great value at only $17.Highly recommended!

E.A.R.S. is a must see place if you want to see wild animals up close and personal being cared for by the most caring of personal-For the Villages Photo Club it is a yearly trip. It is also a very good place to take visitors however you must make advance reservations to do so. I have been there about 6-7 times and have been initiated-which means watch the tigers and if they have there back to you-you may also get initiated-several of our club members have also received the treatment. They primarily have tigers but they also have about a dozen other breads. While there is a donation request =they also hope you can donate a bottle of bleach to help clean the cages.

Great learning experience for Munchkin. Unique way to spend the afternoon. This is not a zoo, it 's a rescue facility- a home for exotic animals who outgrew their welcome or commercial appeal. The animals are beautiful and well cared for...the humans were pretty great, too. Our guide did her best to give every person a personal experience and great photo opps to remember our trip. To get to see these beautiful creatures up close was amazing. Munchkin brought her stuffed white tiger with her and our guide really helped Munchkin have a memorable visit with the white tigers. If you go, take a donation of regular dish washing liquid or a container of bleach. This place is a labor of love- non-profit and very volunteer and donation reliant. Munchkin liked the idea that "her" soap would be washing tiger bowls! Great day trip was a visit to EARS and then early dinner at the Eagle's Nest.

As most other reviewers have stated, this sanctuary is a wonderful facility. It primarily houses big cats, although there are also some bears and monkeys. The dedication and care shown to these animals is gratifying to see. The grounds are very clean, the animals are thriving and very healthy. Please note: You cannot just show up and wander around. You will have to preregister for a tour; the tours are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The tour lasts about two hours and the pace is easy(and shaded). Our guide was very knowledgeable about every animal and the bond of affection between her and the animals was fun to watch. Great experience.

During our spring break to Orlando, we visited EARS in Citra, Florida, home to a large variety of exotic animals (with the largest percentage of the feline variety) whose owners could not - or would not - care for them anymore. Lori, one of the volunteers, treated us to a private tour of the facilities that house exotic animals that zoos or owners no longer want (for various reasons). Lori was truly amazing in her knowledge of the history of each animal. I recommend this to anyone ~ so much better than a zoo. EARS not only gives these animals a home, it gives them love and respect.

Awesome, these great animals can not be released to the wild for one reason or another, but have been provided a a beautiful, home to live out their days, not caged all the time free roaming is provided. JUST FANTASTIC!The facility is not normally open to the public, they have a few open house days.

I was incredibly impressed with the organization and dedication of staff, making a difference in lives of these amazing creatures. A must to see and visit!!!

Spent over two hours here this afternoon. Call ahead for a personalized tour. You will get to see big cats really up close and other animals these wonderful people have rescued in a secluded spot in Central Florida. Be sure to get good directions as the area is well hidden from the public (with good reason).

We spent July 4th at EARS with our daughter-in-law and our two grandsons, 5 and 9. We met Gayle and she took us on a private tour, visiting with each and every animal. She explained the purposes of this non-profit, and related stories of each animal's life and how he or she came to be at this beautiful sanctuary. Gayle was very patient with the boys, answering all their questions and making sure they touched every animal they wanted to. EARS is NOT a zoo, is NOT a theme park, is NOT entertainment. It is education and it is a peaceful life for previously unwanted animals. The animals are all extremely healthy and obviously well loved. It is a wonderful place for photography, also, with plenty of opportunities for fence-free shots. My favorite photo is of one tiger licking my hand! Call and arrange a tour of this wonderful place. Ask what you can bring for the animals. And - make sure you apply insect repellant beforehand - the mosquitoes were out in full force in July!

I would deffinitly recommend going to this place in Citra Florida! I loved seeing and listening to the handlers about all the wild endangered animals in this sanctuary! I will deffinitly go back here when I come back down to Salt Springs!

This is the best place to see these animals . It is a call ahead place to visit so be sure and do this,it is not open to the public it is private . You will never see animals like this in a zoo,and it helps this place if you visit. Please help the animals out and visit