Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary

The Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary, known as EARS, is a nonprofit organization located at 2615 East Hwy 318 in Citra, Florida, approximately 20 minutes north of Ocala in northern Marion County. The sanctuary provides permanent homes for over 100 exotic animals that have been surrendered, rescued from abusive situations, or can no longer be cared for by their previous owners or facilities. The animals at EARS include tigers, lions, ligers, leopards, cougars, bobcats, bears, and primates, along with smaller residents such as ring-tailed lemurs, red foxes, and an African caracal. The guided public tour is a slow walk across the sanctuary's 35 acres.

EARS operates with a clear and important distinction from commercial animal attractions. This is a rescue sanctuary, not a zoo, theme park, or petting operation. Every animal at EARS is there because it had nowhere else to go. Many of the big cats and other exotic animals housed at the sanctuary were originally kept as private pets or used in entertainment before being surrendered when they grew too large, too expensive, or too dangerous for their owners to manage. Others came from facilities that closed or from situations involving neglect or abuse. EARS provides these animals with permanent enclosures, veterinary care, proper nutrition, and a stable environment for the rest of their lives.

The sanctuary is open to visitors on a limited and structured basis. Public membership tours are held on the first Saturday of each month, beginning at 10:00 AM with gates opening at 9:30 AM. All visits must be booked in advance, and under Marion County regulations, every visitor is required to become an EARS member. Private tours can also be arranged by appointment for groups or individuals who cannot attend the monthly public sessions. During tours, guides walk visitors through the sanctuary, providing information about each animal, its species, and how it came to be at EARS. The educational component of these tours is a core part of the sanctuary's mission, helping visitors understand the realities of exotic animal ownership and the challenges these animals face.

Safety is a primary concern at EARS. All animals are housed in secure, locked enclosures, and visitors are not permitted to touch any of the animals. This policy exists for the protection of both the animals and the visitors. The big cats, bears, and primates at EARS are powerful wild animals, and maintaining a safe distance is non-negotiable. EARS staff and volunteers are trained in the care and handling of exotic species, and the facility is designed to provide the animals with appropriate space while keeping the public at a safe viewing distance.

As a nonprofit, EARS relies on membership fees, tour revenue, donations, and fundraising to cover the substantial costs of caring for its residents. Feeding and providing veterinary care for over 100 rescued animals requires significant ongoing resources. The sanctuary is a meaningful attraction near Ocala for those interested in wildlife rescue and conservation. For visitors exploring the broader Marion County area, other nature-oriented destinations include Silver Springs State Park with its glass-bottom boat tours and natural springs, Wild Bill's Airboat Tours for a different kind of wildlife experience, and the many family-friendly activities listed in our guide to fun for kids in Ocala. Those visiting the Silver Springs area will find EARS within easy driving distance as well.