Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital
A wildlife hospital and nature center dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating about local fauna.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A wildlife hospital and nature center dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating about local fauna.
"Sweet place to take a stroll and support a lovely cause!"
🎯 Affordable Admission
Enjoy a short, cheap visit for just $5 admission. Great value for a meaningful experience!
🐾 Support Wildlife Rehab
This is a working wildlife hospital. Your visit supports the care of injured and abandoned animals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Resident Animal Ambassadors
Various enclosures
Meet local wildlife, including talkative parrots, injured hawks, and other creatures receiving care.
Wetlands Exploration
Nature trails
Wander through the natural beauty of the wetlands and observe the local ecosystem.
Special Events & Festivals
Center grounds
Catch unique events like orchid and plant festivals, offering a vibrant community experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Sawgrass Nature Center
Understanding the Wildlife Hospital Aspect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Admission
Enjoy a short, cheap visit for just $5 admission. Great value for a meaningful experience!
🐾 Support Wildlife Rehab
This is a working wildlife hospital. Your visit supports the care of injured and abandoned animals.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Don't miss special events like orchid festivals! They add extra fun to your visit. 
🗣️ Parrots are Chatty!
The parrots here are known for being super talkative – get ready for some lively interactions!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Admission
Enjoy a short, cheap visit for just $5 admission. Great value for a meaningful experience!
🐾 Support Wildlife Rehab
This is a working wildlife hospital. Your visit supports the care of injured and abandoned animals.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Don't miss special events like orchid festivals! They add extra fun to your visit.
🗣️ Parrots are Chatty!
The parrots here are known for being super talkative – get ready for some lively interactions!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the nature trails and grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Sawgrass Nature Center a charming spot for a short, affordable outing, appreciating its mission to rescue and rehabilitate local wildlife. While the animals and nature trails are a hit, some reviews mention inconsistent staff interactions, with a few visitors experiencing rudeness. Despite this, the center is widely regarded as a valuable community resource and a worthwhile visit for families and nature lovers.
"🦋Sweet place to take a stroll if you are looking to do an activity in Fort Lauderdale🌺. It is a small-scale wildlife conservation and hospital taking big steps to help the community.
Animals there are injured and can't live on their own in the wild.🦜
Animals are very well kept and the center tell their individual story.
Welcoming staff great activity for family with kids or anyone looking a short (1hour), cheap (5$ admission fee) activity to do."
Kay Sheikh
"Like all the other bad reviews, Tina is rude and condescending. Very unprofessional and needs to learn how to speak to people. Everybody does not know how to care for an injured or abandoned animal. If we were all horrible people, we would not bring an animal there for you to care for. I asked you what the rehab process is for abandoned baby squirrels. Your reply was" it's self explanatory" when I dropped the squirrel off, you said you were thinking it was going to be much smaller that this one was in the weaning process. You were so disappointed by the look on your face. I just don't understand what the differences if he's 2 weeks old, 5 weeks or 9 weeks. He was looking for help dehydrated and not doing well. You were ultimately disappointed when I told you. I gave him cat's milk. Try to understand people do the best they can when reading things on the internet. I did everything I could to help him including driving 1 and 1/2 hours round trip to bring him there. Nobody wants to hear your nasty condescending tone of voice not to mention your unprofessional appearance. Do better Tina, explain things in a kind way so when people leave they feel a bit more educated. And proud of themselves for saving an animal."
tutti
"Wonderful place and Tina was so helpful and compassionate about wildlife and how to help them. I brought 2 baby possums that were in desperate need of help and Tina was there to do that. ☺️ Thank you"
Sharon Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital is located in Coral Springs, Florida. It's accessible by car, and parking is available on-site. Many visitors combine a trip here with other activities in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Yes, the center is designed for visitors to explore its grounds and see the animals. It's a great spot for a stroll and offers a relatively short visit, often around an hour.
Operating hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and event schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, typically around $5 per person, making it an accessible activity for families and individuals.
Yes, the center functions as a wildlife hospital. If you find an injured or abandoned animal, you can bring it to them for care, though some visitors have noted varying experiences with staff interaction.
For general visits, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special events like festivals, it's advisable to check if tickets are needed or if there are specific entry procedures.
Yes, it operates as a wildlife hospital and conservation center, relying on community support and donations to care for animals.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of local wildlife, including birds like parrots, injured hawks, turtles, and other creatures that are being rehabilitated.
Absolutely! It's a great place for families with kids to learn about local wildlife and conservation in an engaging way.
Most visitors find that a visit lasts about an hour, making it a perfect short activity or add-on to a day out.
Yes, the center features nature trails that allow visitors to explore the wetlands and surrounding natural environment.
Their mission is to treat, rehabilitate, and release injured and orphaned wildlife, while also educating the public about local ecosystems and conservation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The center itself typically does not have extensive food services. It's recommended to bring your own snacks or plan to dine at nearby restaurants in Coral Springs.
Visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in designated areas, but always check for specific center policies.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. It's a great place to capture images of local wildlife and the natural surroundings.
The animal enclosures, especially those with the talkative parrots, and the scenic wetland trails offer excellent photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Plan for about an hour-long visit, which is perfect for shorter attention spans. The affordable admission fee makes it an accessible option for a budget-friendly family activity. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds and nature trails.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Gardeners
If you time your visit right, you might even catch one of their popular Orchid and Plant Festivals, which are a dream for any plant lover. +1This center also appeals to those interested in conservation efforts. Understanding the rehabilitation process for injured wildlife provides a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the efforts to protect it.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a picnic lunch to keep costs even lower. It's an affordable activity that provides both entertainment and education, perfect for solo travelers or couples looking for a meaningful outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Operation: Wildlife Rehabilitation
This rehabilitation aspect is a core part of their mission, distinguishing them from a typical zoo. While visitors can observe many of the resident animals, it's important to remember that some may be undergoing treatment and are not on public display. The center also educates the public on how to help wildlife, emphasizing responsible interaction and care.
Community support plays a significant role in their operations. Donations of food, supplies, and volunteer efforts are crucial for the center's success. Events like the ACT Foundation's donation of fruits and vegetables highlight the community's commitment to supporting these efforts.
Community Engagement and Special Events
+1These festivals are a fantastic opportunity to explore a diverse range of orchids and plants, often accompanied by educational talks and opportunities to connect with local growers. They also partner with organizations for art and nature events, like the AIM Petite Apprentice event, which brings families together for creative activities amidst the wildlife.
Educational field trips are another cornerstone of their community outreach. Schools like Pembroke Pines-Florida State University Charter Elementary School visit the center to learn about local ecosystems, animal ambassadors, and conservation efforts, making learning an interactive adventure for students.
Navigating Visitor Experiences and Staff Interactions
Conversely, other visitors have had very positive interactions, highlighting Tina's helpfulness and compassion when they brought in animals in need. This suggests that while the center's core mission is widely appreciated, consistency in customer service might be an area for improvement.
Despite these mixed reviews on staff interactions, the overall sentiment leans towards supporting the center's valuable work. The affordable admission, the opportunity to see local wildlife, and the educational aspect are consistently highlighted as major positives, making it a worthwhile visit for many.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit