St. Augustine Wild Reserve
A sanctuary for rescued big cats and other wildlife, offering educational tours with passionate guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and see active animals
St. Augustine Wild Reserve
Best Time
Beat the heat and see active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary for rescued big cats and other wildlife, offering educational tours with passionate guides.
"The staff's love and care for the animals is so very clear."
Book Tours in Advance
Tours are mandatory and fill up fast! Book online to secure your spot. :ticket:
Stay Hydrated!
Florida is hot! Bring water or buy some there. They offer refills. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Big Cats
Various enclosures
Witness lions, tigers, and jaguars up close, each with a unique rescue story. Black jaguars with visible spots are a particular marvel.
Rescued Animals with Stories
Throughout the reserve
Learn the individual backstories of each rescued animal, from wolves to coatimundis, highlighting the reserve's conservation efforts.
Knowledgeable and Passionate Guides
During guided tours
Engage with guides and volunteers who share deep knowledge and evident passion for animal care and conservation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Florida Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours in Advance
Tours are mandatory and fill up fast! Book online to secure your spot. :ticket:
Stay Hydrated!
Florida is hot! Bring water or buy some there. They offer refills. :droplet:
No Photos Allowed
To protect the animals, photography is restricted during tours. :camerawithflash:
Support the Reserve
Your ticket fee directly supports animal rescue and care. :heart:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours in Advance
Tours are mandatory and fill up fast! Book online to secure your spot. :ticket:
Stay Hydrated!
Florida is hot! Bring water or buy some there. They offer refills. :droplet:
No Photos Allowed
To protect the animals, photography is restricted during tours. :camerawithflash:
Support the Reserve
Your ticket fee directly supports animal rescue and care. :heart:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and standing for the tour. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the St. Augustine Wild Reserve for its knowledgeable and passionate staff, who share compelling rescue stories of the animals. The intimate tour experience and the clear dedication to animal welfare are major highlights, offering a more meaningful encounter than a typical zoo. While photography restrictions are in place, the overall experience is highly recommended for its educational value and the opportunity to support a worthy cause.
"We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and tour on August 16, 2025. Our guide Vince along with the other volunteers who came along with us was very knowledgeable and informative. A highlight was learning about the back story on each individual animal.The park is extremely organized and well run. The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful. It was a very hot day and the water bottles were greatly appreciated. We will definitely talk up the tour with our friends and neighbors. Thanks for a wonderful outing."
Robert Wilde
"This is a really cool place. Lots of big cats all with interesting stories from their rescue. Also has wolves and some other interesting animals. You have to take a tour to visit, but the animals are incredible. Unfortunately, no pictures. Apparently, people in the past have ruined tours trying to take pictures, so definitely a reasonable request."
RumAndPancakes
"Visited this wonderful reserve today. It was really informative and had a great time looking at all the animals they have taken in. Please visit the reserve, your ticket fee helps support the animals rescued by this wonderful organization. Thank you so much for helping the animals 🐅, 🦁, 🐺!"
Melissa Wu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The St. Augustine Wild Reserve is located in St. Augustine, Florida. While specific directions will be provided upon booking, it's generally accessible by car. Many visitors combine a trip here with other St. Augustine attractions, making it a great addition to a Florida road trip.
Yes, parking is available for visitors at the reserve. It's recommended to arrive a little before your scheduled tour time to allow for parking and check-in.
Public transportation options to the St. Augustine Wild Reserve are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
Many visitors fly into Jacksonville or Orlando and then drive to St. Augustine, which is about a 1-2 hour drive. The drive from Orlando is approximately 1.5 hours, and from Jacksonville, it's about an hour.
St. Augustine itself is rich in history and attractions, including the historic downtown, St. George Street, and the Alligator Farm. You can easily spend a full day or weekend exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, advance booking for tours is highly recommended and often required. The reserve operates primarily on a tour basis, and spots can fill up quickly, especially for popular times.
The reserve's operating hours are tied to its tour schedules. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date tour times and availability. Tours typically run in the mornings and afternoons.
Ticket prices vary, and your admission fee directly supports the care of the rescued animals. Check the official website for current pricing and any potential discounts or coupons.
While not always available, it's worth checking for 'st augustine wild reserve coupon' or 'st augustine wild reserve groupon' online. Some local tourism sites or deals might offer discounts.
No, visits to the St. Augustine Wild Reserve are exclusively through guided tours. This ensures a safe and educational experience for both visitors and the animals.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of rescued animals, including lions, tigers, jaguars (including black jaguars with visible spots 
Photography is generally not allowed during tours to prevent disturbing the animals. This is a common practice at many wildlife sanctuaries to ensure animal welfare.
Tours typically last around 1.5 to 2 hours, providing ample time to see the animals and learn about their stories from the knowledgeable guides.
Yes, the tours are educational and engaging for all ages. Children can learn about wildlife conservation and the importance of animal rescue.
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking. Given Florida's climate, light, breathable fabrics are recommended. A hat and sunscreen are also advisable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The St. Augustine Wild Reserve does not typically have extensive food services on-site. It's recommended to eat before or after your visit. St. Augustine offers many dining options, including seafood restaurants like DJ's Clam Shack.
While outside food might be restricted, bringing your own water bottle is highly encouraged due to the heat. The reserve staff are very accommodating and provide water during tours.
St. Augustine's historic district offers numerous dining choices. For a local favorite, consider DJ's Clam Shack for seafood. Many restaurants are located along St. George Street.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited during tours at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. This rule is in place to ensure the well-being of the animals and the quality of the visitor experience.
The restriction on photography is to prevent animals from being disturbed or stressed by camera flashes and prolonged attention. It also helps maintain the focus on the educational aspect of the tour.
You can find 'st augustine wild reserve photos' on social media platforms like Instagram
While direct photography of the animals during the tour is not allowed, the experience itself is memorable. Focus on absorbing the information and observing the animals' natural behaviors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The guided tours are designed to be informative and captivating for younger audiences, with guides who are skilled at keeping kids interested. It's a great alternative to a traditional zoo, offering a more intimate and story-driven experience.Remember to prepare for the Florida heat by bringing plenty of water and wearing light clothing. While photography is restricted, the memories and lessons learned will last a lifetime. The reserve's mission of rescue and care provides a valuable opportunity to teach children about compassion and responsibility towards animals.
❤️ Animal Lovers & Conservationists
Your visit directly contributes to the ongoing care of these animals. Consider making a donation to further support their habitat enrichment and medical needs. The reserve's commitment to providing a sanctuary rather than a breeding facility aligns with ethical conservation practices, making it a meaningful experience for any animal advocate.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts (with a caveat)
If you're looking for photographic opportunities, consider focusing on capturing the experience of the visit – perhaps the lush surroundings or the expressions of fellow visitors (with their permission). You can also find stunning 'st augustine wild reserve photos' shared online by the reserve itself or other visitors (when permitted) to inspire your visit.
+2Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission of St. Augustine Wild Reserve
+1Visitors are integral to supporting this mission. The admission fees and any donations directly fund the food, veterinary care, and habitat maintenance required for these animals. By choosing to visit the st augustine wild animal reserve, you are actively contributing to a vital conservation effort. The reserve emphasizes that these animals are not for breeding or reintroduction into the wild, but rather for providing a safe haven and educating the public about the importance of responsible wildlife stewardship.
This focus on rescue and education sets the saint augustine wildlife reserve apart from traditional zoos. The experience is designed to be intimate and informative, allowing guests to connect with the animals on a deeper level. Learning about each animal's journey fosters empathy and a greater understanding of the challenges faced by wildlife. It's a powerful reminder of the impact humans can have, both positive and negative, on the animal kingdom.
Understanding the Tour Experience
They share in-depth information about each animal's history, species-specific behaviors, and the challenges they face in the wild.The tour route takes you through various enclosures, allowing for close-up views of magnificent creatures like lions, tigers, and jaguars.
You'll hear the natural sounds of these animals, a stark contrast to the often-silent exhibits in some zoos. The guides are adept at answering questions and fostering an engaging atmosphere, making the experience memorable and impactful. The reserve's organization and the staff's friendliness are frequently highlighted in visitor feedback.Given the Florida climate, tours are often scheduled for the cooler morning hours. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and to bring water. While photography is restricted to protect the animals, the visual and auditory experience of seeing these rescued animals in a sanctuary setting is profound. The reserve's commitment to providing a forever home for these animals is a central theme throughout the tour.
Spotting the Elusive Black Jaguar
+6During a tour, guides will point out these magnificent felines and explain how to spot their subtle markings. Seeing a black jaguar in its natural-looking habitat, even within a sanctuary, is a rare and thrilling experience. The reserve's efforts to provide suitable environments allow these animals to thrive, and observing them offers a unique glimpse into the diversity of the big cat family.
Social media content frequently features the striking appearance of the black jaguar at the st augustine wild reserve, drawing attention to this incredible animal. It's a testament to the reserve's success in caring for these animals and a highlight for many visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit