The people at Octagon care for abused, injured, and unwanted pets (like tigers, bears, and lions) who suddenly outgrew their stupid owners apartments 🙄😪 Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that exists for decades and lives on through the hard work of about 35 volunteers these days. They are closed to the public since early 2020 to keep their animals safe from Covid-19 (not the other way around). We support them regularly since we came here years ago for the first time. If you can help, please do!

OWS is an amazing facility! The love they have for unwanted exotic animals is amazing and deserves the support of the surrounding communities. This is my first visit in over a decade and they've made changes. The animals look well cared for and happy with their environment. I plan to revisit when I have more time to just sit and visit with the animals. If you've never visited or heard of OWS please take the time to support their mission. These animals deserve to be loved!

This is the coolest place is southern Florida! A hidden gem. One thing: the cages are not as serious as a normal zoo so there was a couple times I was a wee bit nervous! Awesome animals and the best part is they were all rescued and being saved!

We had a great visit today. Our tour guide, Tracey, was FABULOUS! She was very knowledgeable about the animals and you could tell she has a love for these animals. She was very passionate, which made our tour even better.

We had great time at Octagon wildlife. We never seen wild animals like this way! Great volunteer staff and wonderful experiences.

We visited Octogon today and loved every minute of our tour. Our only complaint is we wished we could stay longer. Octogon staff was professional, knowledgeable and kind as our tour guide educated us exhibit to exhibit of some of the most well kept, well behaved, well fed beautiful exotic animals you could ever encounter. 😍 The staff is 100% volunteers which contributes to the new profound level care and love these once forgotten, sometimes abused or even abandoned animals now experience. 10 stars out of 10. If you are in the area, I highly encourage you visit Octogon. And DONATE!!! So the care and respect continues for generations to come!!! Thank you for all that you do for the exotic community, Octogon staff!!!

We appreciated the experience on the tour to see the volunteers engage with the bears, lions, tigers, monkeys and parrots and the tour guide was so nice and knowledgeable. It saddens me that people writing reviews are bashing this sanctuary. Although the enclosures at Octagon aren't the largest, the staff and volunteers rescued these animals (many were sick, traumatized etc.) when the animals had nowhere else to go. Octagon is clearly doing the best they can. If you have ever been to places like Big Cat Rescue, you'll see that the enclosures are not that much bigger than those at Octagon. Octagon is a credible sanctuary as well, and doesn't breed or exploit their animals. I understand feeling sad for the animals, but bashing the sanctuary is cruel and hurtful to animals themselves and affects their ability to be cared for. We should support their efforts and donate our time and money to help fund improvements in the enclosures. I would recommend visiting Octagon. It's a great opportunity to learn about and see up-close exotic animals. But please go with realistic expectations, an open mind and a loving heart. Be respectful and the cause it represents. It's a great day trip for your kids so they can learn about the life of exotic animals and what happens when they are bought as pets and exploited as babies, and the reasons they must live in captivity. At least in captivity they have a second chance to live a full life with love, food and enrichment.

Wish you'd reopen during this fake Plandemic. Our family misses seeing these amazing animals!

We absolutely loved our tour! The animals are well cared for and seemed happy. You get to see them from a few feet away. Our tour was only 16 people and lasted an hour and a half. We had plenty of time to see al the animals and never felt rushed. Lots of shade and places to sit if you need to. Go see all the beautiful creatures!

Truly amazing what these people do. Will be back again.

Went here while on vacation, had a great couple of hours! The number of variety of big cats (tigers, lions and a couple others) was higher then I imagined. Considering the sanctuary recieves no state or federal funding, they are doing a very good job. Some of the sitting areas could be improved, but that is my only complaint. Would recommend I'd you are a animal/big cat lover!

Awesome place to see amazing animals that are kept in safe enclosures and are treated right! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the majestic creatures that call Octagon home!! All proceeds go directly to the animals, we go there instead of the circus, as many of their animals are rescues. Our favorite is the famle Liger, Aphrodite, she is a beautiful animal with quite the personality!

This is a fantastic little place to stop at if you're anywhere near the area or just passing through. I've never been to a zoo that had even half the animals Octagon has, and on top of it this isn't a zoo. This is a place that rescues and rehabilitates animals meant to be in captivity. They're not open all year round but it's for good purpose, they're not for profit. This is pillar of the community as you can tell by the local businesses and even national donating to support Octagon. After visiting I can happily say I will do everything I can to support wildlife sanctuaries like Octagon, and I will definitely return the next time I'm around!

What an incredible place! All the volunteers are incredible the animals are well taken care of. I wish i lived closer so I can volunteer here. Amazing experience.

My husband and I enjoyed this tour so much. It is an incredible opportunity to see such beautiful, majestic animals up close. We learned a lot about these animals and their stories. All the volunteers were so friendly. I wish I lived closer so that I could volunteer!

Tremendous! This is a sanctuary for large animals, many being large cats. These folks really care about the animals. Very well kept. You won't regret the drive and the visit. All of the "care-givers" are friendly and helpful. Enjoy!

Amazing place full of animals that seem well taken care of and the cost for 6 of us was only $20! Its actually a good place to get up close and personal. One lion roared so loud you could hear him throughout the entire reserve. Thank you to the people who run this place for taking care of these animals!

I have been to Octagon a handful of times while visiting my parents in Florida. It truly is an animal sanctuary. The time, very hard work and love the volunteers put in to these animals is out of this world. We have missed you the past couple of years but have the utmost respect for what you are doing to keep the animals safe. Shame on those who are trying to mock and bash you for your actions. People like that don't belong anywhere near a sanctuary. I believe some of these people do not realize how much you're sacrificing by keeping Octagon closed to the public. Keep on keeping on guys. Can't wait to visit when the universe allows. The pandemic is only over for the ignorant...

What an amazing place❤️ We went on Sunday for Community Appreciation Day it was very busy will definitely go back again when it's more relaxed. The animals are so amazing you can tell they are truly happy! I highly recommend going here don't forget to donate extra these animals deserve it after what they have been through. Reading the stories of what people did to these animals is sick and they deserve to live the rest of their days in peace! The staff was so friendly and kind you see that they love being there and taking care of all those beautiful animals🦁🐯🐻🐒🐺🐱🐊🐓🐴🐐🦆

I have visited nearly every animal sanctuary and zoo in Florida and Octagon has definitely now risen to the top. It was amazing to be within feet of these majestic creatures. I could smell the main lion’s breath as he was constantly asserting himself by grunting and roaring to seemingly make his alpha status known to his neighbor lion and all others. Our hearts were tugged by the animals’ background stories but then relief settled in once you see how well cared for they are here. The front greeter, Art, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the sanctuary and surrounding area. I would allow 2 hours for the tour as it isn’t a big place. There are many seating options to stay longer and peacefully observe the array of animals. There is also a small souvenir shop at the entrance/exit where you can leave a much needed donation and further help the sanctuary by purchasing a reminder of your visit, such as a beautiful onyx bracelet with a lion head pendant. We will definitely come back!

My fiance and I enjoyed the guided 1.5 hour tour. There are a wide variety of animals and the tour is very informative and educational. You get very close to the animal enclosures which is fun. The staff and volunteers are very interactive with the animals and very nice. Jane was our tour guide and she was very pleasant and engaging. She was attentive and tried to ensure that everyone got the experience they wanted. Such a great place, we definitely will be encouraging everyone we know to go.

Definitely an amazing place to get up close with animals you rarely have an opportunity to see. It’s not a zoo - doesn’t even feel like one. The passion and care you see for these stunning creatures is so genuine - it’s all volunteer based, so you know these caregivers truly want the best for them. Tracy was so knowledgeable and friendly with our homeschool group, and welcomed our questions. It’s heartbreaking to know some of the backstories, but it’s heartwarming to know these beautiful, special animals are loved and cared for! They are 100% funded by donations, and proceeds from tours and their gift shop. If visiting or live in the area - I would definitely recommend booking this tour!

This was the best place we've been! Cheap price ,early morning so the weather wasn't bad,the man working the front was so nice and welcoming , the animals are well taken care of !

Interesting, but somewhat sad place. MANY abandoned or confiscated animals. Lots of tigers. This volunteer organization does what they can, but sad to see so many big cats and some large bears in small enclosures made of chain link fence and wood. I suppose it is better than killing them, but still sad to see.

Great rescue and beautiful animals. Very clean and a must see for $10

A lot of really cool exotic animals that you get to view up close. Cages are well maintained and staff is very friendly.

So beautiful and such a wonderful environment for the animals!

Wonderful facility with the animals welfare in mind. Clean, safe and well-maintained. The staff and volunteers are here for all the right reasons. It was heartbreaking to read some of the animals histories and while the enclosures are not massive they are kept with the safety, sanity and well-being of each animal at heart.

Cute, kitchy place! So nice to see the animals well taken care of. Friendly staff. They only take cash at the gate.

Nice place. Would definitely come back when in the area. They take very good care of animals. It's cheap to get in, and then there is a donation box you can donate more on your way out. Which of course we did. Not sure how you can not, after being how well those animals are treated and loved. These people invest their lives in there. Volunteers from what I can tell. I really appreciate the fact that they keep entrance fee cheap, and have a donation box, versus having a high entrance fee to cover the expenses and no donation box.

I command all the volunteers at the Octagon Wildlife Perserve. They take such GREAT care of God's BEAUTIFUL creatures. Vitamins, and good food is given daily. The animals have play time. This organization is operated by donations only. So PLEASE donate. We plan to go again. God bless all.

Had a wonderful time with my friend and our combined total of 6 kids, and they had a blast! Will definitely be going again!

Every time we went to leave we found a section of the octagon we missed.

Come look at exotic rescues!! Every animal has a story- and for a very small charge; you can roam around the sanctuary gazing at them. It's beautiful. There's plenty of chairs and tables, plenty of spots with shade. The volunteers are a Godsend. They treat these animals as if they're their own. Such a great time. Far better experience than a standard "zoo"

I can’t say enough about this place. It is basically a nursing home for unwanted exotic animals. Maybe they were seized from people, no longer wanted, or abused. They give these animals homes and treat them with dignity. Staffed by volunteers that really care for these living creatures.

Our tour was amazing and everyone loved it. The animals all look so healthy and very well cared for. Everything was clean well maintained. It was very interesting and the staff was amazing, it shows that they truly care for all the animals. We will go again and can only recommend it to anyone!

What a wonderful sanctuary for these animals who now have a forever home. I recommend for any age group. Very safety conscience for humans and the animals.

It's a rescue for animals that cannot go back into the wild. All funds are used for food, upkeep, veterenarian bills, etc. Animals have plenty of space with toys and pools. In most cases there is a description with the animals background and how they came to the sanctuary.

Wow! Lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, tortoises, peacocks, lemurs!! All had been "kept" by "people" who then didn't or wouldn't care for anymore!! Octogan & these animals are cared for by volunteers!!! The animals all have names and are well taken care of & they all have a story!! Had a 2 1/2hr "tour" to meet them. Nice to see they have a safe, healthy," normal" place to live- it's not back "in the wild" but is better than how they were treated prior. If you're an animal lover will appreciate & enjoy!

This was a wonderful surprise. Lots of animals that could not live in the wild had been taken there where they can be loved and cared for because they can’t survive in their natural habitat. Each of the enclosures has the story about particular animal on the outside of it. Military gets in free. Worth the trip. We went on a weekday they close at 12 PM so go early

Just took the tour today Nov.4. I was thrilled to see all the wonderful animals. The guide was very informative and pleasant. All the animals are very well cared for. The lives they now have are comfortable and they are given plenty of stimulation. I will definitely return. It was a lovely day!!

The best place we've ever been. Animals are well looked after. Volunteers are very friendly. Highly recommended!

Awesome! Doing a great work. Def should see.

The grandkids loved it

Closest I have ever been to this assortment of wild animals. Thanks need to go out to the all the individuals who donate their time and finances for the animals.

Love it all

Fantastic place! Well worth a visit. Beautiful animals, well kept. Much better than a zoo.

This is a Beautiful Haven... I would love to help here more often...

beautiful place

A must see when in Southwest Florida - friendly and informative staff. Donate when you can, please!

What a wonderful thing here - to rescue these unwanted animals! I do wish the big cats could have larger and/or higher pens. I understand this is donation based and I did donate. Please help out if possible!

Very informative, we love reading the background on all the animals. They are very fortunate to be living in a sanctuary. We also loved that all the animals have constant access to water with an automatic water pipe that they are trained to use. We will definitely be back in the future!

really nice wildlife sanctuary the people are really nice the animals are really taking care of and they are not for profit they actually help animals that were abused they rescue them otherwise these animals cannot return to the wild and would have to be put down please go and support these guys they really are doing a good thing

These are all rescued animals which are well taken care of by volunteers!

I love coming here!! My son always has a blast

This is a neat little place. The animals here were taken in by this facility and given a home due to one or more of several things, injury, illness, overcrowding, etc. If not for this facility I do believe the only alternative may have been euthanization. I give kudos to the establishment, its employees, the volunteers and all the local businesses that support it. Every single day they must feed these animals, care for them and clean their cages. This is a lot of hard work that is also very costly. They even had costs due to hurricane damage. The entry fee was only $10 an adult. A small price to pay for the lives it saves. Yes, the animals will be here permanently but considering that they can not be released into the wild for they would not survive, this is a nice alternative. Go and see the animals and read their heartbreaking stories and show your support of this facility. They do accept donations!!!

Very nice place I'm so glad they do this everyday something I would love to do♥️♥️💯

Pretty awesome mission this place is fulfilling. Animals were active and having fun. Heard Lions roaring back and forth. Was pretty amazing to watch and see.

(Translated by Google) Because despite it being a small place, you have animals like lions and tigers which you enjoy seeing very close to. (Original) Por q apesar de que es un lugar pequeño ,tine animales como los leones y los tigres las cuales disfrutas verlos muy de serca

Love the animals, love the people, love the mission!

They do a wonderful job taking care of the animals

Love this place, and love the people who keep it going. Thank you for taking such good care of these truly wonderful animals.

Very cool

Great people, keep up the good work! Thank you for a wonderful afternoon

Beautiful place! Very nice & knowledgeable employees/volunteers.

A wildlife rescue that depends on volunteers and donations to provide a safe and humane shelter for animals previously abused or illegally housed. Great place to teach our children why people need to protect our planet and all of it's inhabitants.

They don't take credit or debit cards. Cash or check only

They have Ligers!

Amazing very cool well worth the trip

What a wonderful place to bring the family or friends.a really wide and diverse variety of animals to appreciate and enjoy. Very humane environment. All of the animals are a rescue.this is not only a great value for the entrance fee, but a great way to help sponsor a valued service to the community and our ecosystem. Highly highly recommend!

Loved visiting Octogan! Animals were beautiful, many other visitors, property looked great!

A wonderful sanctuary. Loved visiting here.

They had a lot of different animals and the enclosures were kept very clean and the animals well cared for.

Great value really great to see people who care about animals rather than profit very impressed at animals and the way there looked after

Much better than any "zoo"!

I’ve seen social media posts and photos of Octagon and always thought it was “a regular sanctuary” you could find all over FL. Let me tell you how wrong I was! I learned so much about the history and current methods of animal care and safety, which really showed just how much they prioritize animal welfare above all else. This place is run entirely by volunteers but it is maintained as if there’s a full time staff. The grounds and enclosures are in great shape and you can tell the animals are relaxed and happy. Some of them never knew a kind hand until they arrived here, so seeing them so settled and peaceful is heartwarming. For tours, they give the animals treats and enrichment activities so you get to see them active and engaged. If you go in the morning you’ll likely see the team of enclosure cleaners making their rounds…watching how much work they do to keep the enclosures clean and safe was an added bonus! This is the kind of place you wish you found sooner and can’t wait to go back to for another visit. My heart was full as I drove back home and now I want to volunteer there!

I was unsure going into this tour because any time I had gone to the zoo and seen animals in enclosures, I always left feeling incredibly sad. After doing the guided tour at this facility, I left with tears in my eyes at the amazing love each of these animals receives from all the volunteers. The care that is provided by everyone at the sanctuary and how much they genuinely love these animals is inspiring. They pay attention to all the little details and preferences of each animal and make sure that they are accommodated. With each animal’s different personalities and quirks, modifications have been made to every aspect of their day-to-day lives and each enclosure so that they are happy and feel safe. We got to watch them play in their own personal pools, the different toys for brain stimulation, eat, and even get some special treats from the volunteers (appropriate diet-safe treats of course). All the primates even had their own TVs to watch!! It is so clear that each animal is well cared for and feels safe. They would run over to say hi when they heard the volunteers voice or roll onto their backs, exposing their belly, and take a nap. As we were leaving, one of the volunteers was sitting and chatting with a Macaw! I loved every minute of that tour and my heart is so full. Thank you to all of the volunteers that take care of these animals!!!!

Our group has been to visit the animals several times. This is our first guided tour. We really enjoyed it. I recommend Octagon to visitors. I'm happy you finally could reopen. I listed that we waited 30 minutes to start the tour but that's because we got there so early.😊

A group of friends and I went to the sanctuary. We weren’t sure about having to go as a tour, but we all really enjoyed it. We learned about each animal. We heard their back story, we heard about their personalities as well as learning about each type of animal. We were able to ask questions and had plenty of time to visit with each animal. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. Honestly, it doesn’t look like much, but it is an amazing place. With more donations they would be able to upgrade enclosures and the facility. Feeding and caring for the animals comes first (before a fancy facility) and they do a great job.