Top Non-Zoo Animal Encounters of South Florida

Palm Beach County

1) Loxahatchee River Environmental Center: Established just over 6 years ago, the Loxahatchee River Center has taken no time to become a crowd favorite among residents and visitors alike. And for good reasons. The Center houses an impressive number of exhibits, as well as aquatic tanks that showcase wildlife of both freshwater swamps and marine ecology surrounding the area. 

2) Panther Ridge Conservation Center: Big cats have a big fan following. For residents of Palm Beach county, who want their share of big cat experience, there is no looking beyond the Panther Ridge Conservation Center. As a privately owned not-for-profit concern, the Center is home to endangered big cats including leopards, cougars, jaguars, and cheetahs. 

3) Busch Wildlife Sanctuary: Probably one of the best destinations in the County for people who truly authentic wildlife experience. The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary houses a hospital to take care of injured and sick animals, and also has an intriguing nature trail that will bring you face to face with a number of wildlife species. 

4) Loggerhead Marine Life Center: A wonderful destination for people who are passionate about the fragile marine ecology of the region. The Loggerhead Marine Life Center is committed to preservation of sea turtles, and offers many educational opportunities to its visitors. In addition, you can participate in fish feeding activities, enjoy some stunning nature trails, and even hire the venue to celebrate birthdays. 

5) Green Cay Wetlands: Located in Boynton Beach, the Green Cay Wetlands offer some spectacular boardwalks that brings visitors face to face with some native Florida fauna. Back at the center, there are live animals exhibits among other features, raising awareness about the threats faced by native Florida species. 

6) Arthur R Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge: Operated by the US Department of Fish and Wildlife, this Wildlife Refuge features an extensive boardwalk that takes visitors through the wetlands. Back at the center, the Wildlife Refuge also has interesting butterfly garden that houses native species. The exhibits in the halls about the FL environment and ecosystem are very engaging!  We love the airboat tour exhibit and listening to the animals at night.

7) Gumbo Limbo Nature Center: Located in south east Boca Raton, the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center offers boardwalks to visitors through coastal mangrove forests that are home to a number of endangered species. In addition, they also rescue injured sea turtles, and release stranded hatchlings during the nesting season. 

8) Okeeheelee Nature Center: Spread over 90 acres, the Okeeheelee Nature Center offers some of the best wildlife encounter opportunities in the region. The Center features natures trails that will make you come face to face with several birds of prey and fascinating reptiles. 

9) Daggerwing Nature Center: Another nature center in Boca Raton that features beautiful trails and houses animals including snapping turtles, alligators, and a bewildering variety of creepy crawlies. 


10) McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary: Another prominent wildlife sanctuary in the Broward County, McCarthy's is home to hundreds of native Florida species that are injured or otherwise infirm.