Ocala Zoo & Wildlife Sanctuaries
No traditional zoo — but Marion County offers tigers, exotic animals, and native wildlife encounters unlike anything else in Florida
Ocala does not have a traditional zoo, but Marion County offers three remarkable animal experiences: EARS (Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary) with tigers, lions, and ligers on a 30-acre property; the Petting Zoo of Ocala with exotic farm animals; and OWLS, a 21-year-old wildlife rehabilitation nonprofit serving injured native Florida wildlife.
No Zoo in Ocala — But Here's What We Have Instead
If you've searched "zoo Ocala FL" and landed here, here's the honest answer: there is no traditional public zoo in Ocala or Marion County. But that doesn't mean you're out of options. In fact, what Ocala offers instead may be more meaningful than a conventional zoo — up-close encounters with endangered big cats, hands-on exotic animal experiences, and one of the richest native wildlife corridors in the southeastern United States.
Marion County sits at the heart of Florida's wildlife heritage. The Ocala National Forest, the largest sand pine scrub forest in the world, surrounds the city and provides habitat for black bears, Florida panthers, sandhill cranes, scrub jays, and hundreds of other species. Silver River State Park is home to a free-ranging colony of rhesus monkeys that has thrived in Central Florida for nearly a century. You don't need a zoo admission ticket to witness remarkable wildlife here — you just need to know where to look.
For families and visitors specifically seeking a zoo-like experience, three local facilities step in to fill that role. Each offers something distinct: EARS provides rare access to endangered big cats and exotic mammals in a sanctuary setting; the Petting Zoo of Ocala delivers the hands-on, feed-the-animals experience that kids love; and OWLS connects the community with injured native wildlife and environmental education. Together, they create an animal encounter ecosystem that serves families, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation-minded visitors alike.
EARS: Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary
30-Acre Sanctuary
Home to tigers, lions, ligers, cougars, leopards, monkeys, and bears. One of the most impressive big cat collections in Florida.
Membership Access
Members-only facility. $30/person or $75/family annually. Guided public tours held on the first Saturday of each month.
EARS Sanctuary Details
Address: 2250 NE 70th St, Ocala, FL 34479
Phone: (352) 266-2859
Membership: $30/person · $75/family/year
Public Tours: 1st Saturday of each month
Animals at EARS
Tigers
Lions
Ligers
Cougars
Leopards
Monkeys
Bears
Petting Zoo of Ocala
Located at 11150 FL-40 in Ocala, the Petting Zoo of Ocala combines the charm of a working farm with exotic animal encounters. Visitors can interact with camels, llamas, goats, monkeys, and a variety of other animals in a hands-on environment that's ideal for younger children. The farm setting offers the tactile, feeding-the-animals experience that many families associate with a classic zoo visit.
11150 FL-40, Ocala, FL
OWLS: Ocala Wildlife & Land Sanctuary
OWLS has served Marion County as a wildlife rehabilitation nonprofit for more than 21 years. The organization rescues injured or orphaned native Florida wildlife — birds of prey, songbirds, reptiles, and small mammals — and works to rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. While OWLS is not a public zoo, it provides educational programs and community outreach that connect residents with Florida's remarkable native wildlife in a meaningful, conservation-focused context.
Wild Animals in Ocala — No Ticket Required
Beyond dedicated animal facilities, Marion County's natural areas offer world-class wildlife viewing. Plan a family day trip to experience some of these free encounters.
Silver River State Park
Wild rhesus monkeys, manatees, alligators, and 100+ bird species along a crystal-clear spring run.
Ocala National Forest
Black bears, Florida panthers, gopher tortoises, sandhill cranes, and Florida scrub jays.
Petting Zoo of Ocala
Camels, llamas, goats, and monkeys at a working farm on FL-40.
Heritage Nature Conservancy
10,000+ Mexican free-tailed bats, resident barred owls, and wildlife trails near downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a zoo in Ocala, FL?
There is no traditional public zoo in Ocala, Florida. However, Marion County has several exceptional wildlife experiences that rival or surpass a conventional zoo. EARS (Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary) houses tigers, lions, ligers, leopards, bears, and monkeys on a 30-acre property. The Petting Zoo of Ocala features exotic animals including camels and llamas. OWLS (Ocala Wildlife & Land Sanctuary) operates as a 21-year-old rehabilitation nonprofit serving injured native wildlife.
What is EARS in Ocala?
EARS stands for Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary. Located at 2250 NE 70th St, Ocala FL 34479, it is a 30-acre members-only sanctuary that houses tigers, lions, ligers, cougars, leopards, monkeys, bears, and other endangered or exotic animals. Membership costs $30 per person or $75 per family annually. Guided tours are offered on the first Saturday of each month and are the primary way non-members can visit. Call (352) 266-2859 for details.
How do I visit EARS sanctuary in Ocala?
EARS sanctuary in Ocala operates as a members-only facility. You can purchase a membership for $30 per person or $75 per family annually, which grants ongoing access. Alternatively, EARS hosts guided tours on the first Saturday of each month, which are open to the public. Contact EARS at (352) 266-2859 or visit in person at 2250 NE 70th St, Ocala, FL 34479 to get current tour dates and availability.
Where is the Petting Zoo of Ocala?
The Petting Zoo of Ocala is located at 11150 FL-40 in Ocala. The farm combines traditional farm animals with exotic species including camels, llamas, goats, and monkeys. It provides a hands-on animal experience suitable for families and children. Call ahead before visiting to confirm current hours and available animals.
What animals can I see near Ocala without going to a zoo?
Marion County offers a wealth of native wildlife viewing outside of any zoo setting. Silver River State Park is famous for wild rhesus monkeys brought to the area in the 1930s, along with manatees, alligators, deer, and hundreds of bird species. The Ocala National Forest hosts black bears, Florida panthers, scrub jays, sandhill cranes, and river otters. Blue Spring State Park to the southeast is one of Florida's premier manatee viewing sites in winter months.
What is OWLS in Ocala?
OWLS stands for Ocala Wildlife & Land Sanctuary, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization that has been operating in Marion County for over 21 years. OWLS rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured or orphaned native Florida wildlife including birds of prey, songbirds, reptiles, and small mammals. While not a public zoo, OWLS provides educational programs and serves as an important conservation resource for the region.
Explore Animal Encounters Near Ocala
From 30-acre big cat sanctuaries to free-ranging monkeys at Silver River — Marion County delivers wildlife experiences you won't forget.