Florida is a paradise for nature lovers, offering incredible opportunities to see and interact with animals. From wolves and manatees to parrots and more, here’s a guide to some of the best animal experiences in the Sunshine State.
1. Seacrest Wolf Preserve – Chipley: Join the Pack
If you’ve ever wanted to interact with wolves, the Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Chipley is the place to go. This 400-acre preserve started in 1999 as a nonprofit, rescuing wolves that needed a new home. The preserve is home to Gray, Arctic, and British Columbian wolves. Visitors can safely pet, cuddle, and take photos with these amazing animals. In addition to wolves, guests can also meet smaller animals like opossums and raccoons. Remember to book ahead and be at least 10 years old to visit.
2. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Once a popular train stop, Homosassa Springs is now a haven for wildlife. This park features alligators, panthers, black bears, and more. It also has a resident hippopotamus named Lu, the oldest of her kind in North America. The park is known for its rescued manatees and has an underwater observatory called “the fish bowl” where you can see these gentle giants up close.