Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary

Punta Gorda, Florida: This week while scrolling through Groupon looking for hidden gems to visit, I came across a deal for the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary. Located just a short drive from the house, the sanctuary has been taking care of wild animals for over thirty years.

Located in the eastern corner of Charlotte County, Octagon opened its doors over thirty years ago to provide a home for exotic animals that were no longer wanted or unable to be cared for by their owners anymore. They became kinda like a nursing home for exotic pets. Today they provide home and care for several species of animals including lions, tigers and bears.

As you arrive at the sanctuary, a tranquil walkway filled with tropical plants leads you to the animals. Along the way are signs that thank donors for their support of the sanctuary’s mission. It’s the continues support from these local donors that help support the mission. Caring for these abandon animals is not cheap. In fact it costs in excess of $8,000 a month to care for these animals.

The sanctuary features shaded walkways that lead you through the animal habitats. Along the way you will found several species of exciting exotic animals. Some of the animals you well get close to include tigers, lions, ligers, panther, bears and much more. My favorite was the white tiger and the ligers. Even though the ligers were young, it was amazing to see their enormous size up close. 

Visiting the sanctuary is not only a great way to get close to some great animals, it is also a way to help support the mission of the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary. Gate admission and sales from the gift shop helps support the sanctuary in providing a home and a second chance at life for these animals. 

The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 41660 Horseshoe Road in Punta Gorda, Florida. It is open Monday through Saturday year-round and Sundays from November to May. Admission is $10 for adults, seniors/kids 8-17 are $5 and under 7 is admitted free. One thing to note is that they only accept cash or check, no credit cards. Click on the photo above to view my Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary photo gallery.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Photo of the Day: Disney's Hollywood Studios

Image
  For many years, a towering, iconic Sorcerer's Hat served as the unmistakable central landmark for Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios), drawing visitors deep into the park's vibrant heart. The hat, an enormous, three-dimensional representation of the magical cap worn by Mickey Mouse in his role as the Sorcerer's Apprentice from the classic film Fantasia , was initially erected as a centerpiece for the park's 100 Years of Magic celebration, honoring the centennial of Walt Disney's birth. Its prominent placement quickly cemented its status. Much like the instantly recognizable icons of the other Walt Disney World theme parks—Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the geodesic sphere of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, and the intricately carved Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom—the Sorcerer's Hat became the park's most famous symbol and a favored backdrop for countless visitor photographs. Its design featured bold colors, stars, and the moon...
Read more

Photo of the Day: New York City

Image
Along the perimeter of Central Park, nestled within the vibrant core of New York City, stands a collection of the city's most architecturally significant and historic luxurious apartment buildings. These iconic addresses are more than just residences; they are meticulously preserved monuments that pay homage to a bygone era of Gilded Age splendor and pre-war elegance, maintaining their original magnificence and grandeur.  A premier example of these exceptional homes is The Beresford. Completed in 1929, this legendary co-op on Central Park West is instantly recognizable by its distinctive trio of massive copper towers and is celebrated for its imposing scale and sophisticated design. Conceived by the renowned architect Emery Roth, The Beresford stands as a testament to the period's commitment to lavish detail, expansive layouts, and unparalleled exclusivity. It offers residents breathtaking panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, cementing its status not just ...
Read more

Visiting the Florida Holocaust Museum: A Powerful and Reflective Experience

Image
St Petersburg, Florida: Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the United States, dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating future generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance. Founded in 1992 by Holocaust survivors Walter and Edith Lobenberg, the museum has grown into a deeply moving cultural and educational destination that encourages visitors to reflect on history while promoting a more compassionate future.  Overview of the Museum  The museum’s core exhibit, “History, Heritage, and Hope,” takes visitors on a chronological journey through the Holocaust, beginning with the roots of antisemitism and continuing through the rise of Nazi Germany, World War II, and eventual liberation. The experience is largely self-guided, allowing visitors to move at their own pace while engaging with photographs, personal artifacts, and survivor testimonies.  One o...
Read more