Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
A non-profit sanctuary rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating about Florida's native wildlife with nature trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time
Animals are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A non-profit sanctuary rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating about Florida's native wildlife with nature trails.
"Better than a zoo—and it's completely FREE! (Donations appreciated)"
🎯 Bring Water & Sun Protection
Florida sun is strong! Pack water, hats, and sunscreen. Portable fans are a great idea.
💰 Donations are Key
Entry is free, but donations are crucial for animal care. Give what you can!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Florida Panthers
Enclosures
Witness these majestic big cats in spacious habitats, often seen playing and active.
Otter Playtime
Otter Habitat
Watch playful otters swim, dive, and interact in their dedicated, naturalistic environment.
Diverse Bird Aviaries
Aviaries
Explore custom-built aviaries housing a variety of native Florida owl species and other birds.
Reptile Room
Indoor Reptile Exhibit
A cool escape from the heat, featuring a variety of native reptiles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Donation-Based Entry
+2Beat the Florida Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Water & Sun Protection
Florida sun is strong! Pack water, hats, and sunscreen. Portable fans are a great idea.
💰 Donations are Key
Entry is free, but donations are crucial for animal care. Give what you can!
⏰ Check Show Schedules
Educational talks and presentations enhance the experience. Check online for times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on nature trails, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Water & Sun Protection
Florida sun is strong! Pack water, hats, and sunscreen. Portable fans are a great idea.
💰 Donations are Key
Entry is free, but donations are crucial for animal care. Give what you can!
⏰ Check Show Schedules
Educational talks and presentations enhance the experience. Check online for times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on nature trails, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Great photo opportunities, especially when animals are active. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Busch Wildlife Sanctuary for its dedication to animal welfare and conservation, offering a more meaningful experience than a traditional zoo. The spacious, naturalistic enclosures, educational staff, and free, donation-based entry are major draws. While the Florida heat can be a challenge, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting it as a worthwhile and impactful visit for all ages.
"This place is better than a zoo—and it’s completely FREE! (Donations appreciated) Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a spacious, peaceful haven where animals are not just on display but actually cared for in environments that mimic their natural habitats. The animals are well-kept, with proper environments and things to play with
The sanctuary feels close to nature, with beautiful trails, shaded spots, and thoughtfully designed enclosures. There’s a reptile room with A/C (perfect break from the Florida heat) and an amphitheater with amazing fans, making the educational talks super comfortable and fun.
The staff is kind and visible throughout the facility, ready to help and answer questions. Whether you’re local or just visiting Jupiter, this sanctuary is 100% worth your time. It’s educational, family-friendly, and a great way to support wildlife rehab and conservation."
Tooba.005 Sh
"This is a very nice, well maintained animal sanctuary. They have different birds, owls, foxes, bobcats, panthers, bears, and more. The caged areas are a good size overall. I've been to some sanctuaries where the panthers' enclosures were only a fraction of the size. Summer is getting hot, and there aren't any fans or misters as you walk around so I'd bring water, a hat, and a portable fan if heat is an issue for you. I would say 1-2 hours is enough time. We were there almost 2 hours but went slow, reading all the exhibits in the welcome center and looking at all the animals and reptiles. I know they also have shows and presentations, so you'd have to check online or call for the schedule. They have a gift shop that also has a few drinks and ice creams/popicles.
It's donation only. They have a cash or card option."
Kristen Deiter
"Ed and kary were amazing they helped us with a hurt raccoon and informed us a lot! They were super sweet and provided us with care after handling the situation, they kept in contact and handled the animal properly. They took the time out there day to come get the poor thing and im super greatful for them!!"
mia jazlyn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 17855 Rocky Pines Rd, Jupiter, FL 33478. It's accessible by car, and parking is available on-site.
Information on public transportation options is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended way to reach the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is easily accessible via major roads in the Jupiter area. Use GPS for the most direct route to 17855 Rocky Pines Rd, Jupiter, FL 33478.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the sanctuary.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a half-day or full-day trip, especially for families.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary offers free admission, operating on a donation basis. Visitors are encouraged to donate to support their conservation efforts.
While entry is free, donations are highly encouraged and essential for the sanctuary's operations and animal care.
The sanctuary is typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any updates.
Since admission is donation-based, advance booking is not required. You can simply arrive during operating hours.
Yes, the sanctuary often hosts educational talks and presentations. Check their schedule upon arrival or online for specific times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of native Florida wildlife, including panthers, bobcats, bears, foxes, otters, and numerous bird species like owls.
Yes, the sanctuary features nature trails that wind through woods and wetlands, offering a close-to-nature experience.
Absolutely! It's very family-friendly, educational, and engaging for kids of all ages.
Animals are often most active in the cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or late afternoons. Visiting after rain can also increase activity.
Yes, there is an air-conditioned reptile room, which is a great place to cool off during hot Florida days.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The sanctuary has a gift shop that sells a few drinks, ice cream, and popsicles. It's recommended to bring your own snacks or plan for dining elsewhere.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, especially water, to enjoy during their visit.
Jupiter and Palm Beach areas offer numerous dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, a short drive from the sanctuary.
While not explicitly mentioned, the shaded spots and trails might offer opportunities for picnicking. It's best to confirm on-site.
The gift shop typically offers a selection of beverages, including water, and frozen treats like ice cream and popsicles.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and it's a great place to capture images of Florida's wildlife. +1
The enclosures and nature trails offer excellent opportunities. Try to visit when animals are active for the best shots.
It's best to avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Check for any specific signage regarding flash use.
While generally permitted, be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid intrusive behavior.
Visitors often photograph the native Florida animals like panthers, bobcats, owls, and otters in their naturalistic habitats. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids will be fascinated by the diverse range of animals, from playful otters Pro-tip for families: Visit in the morning to catch animals when they're most active and to avoid the peak heat. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as food options are limited to the gift shop.
💰 Budget Travelers
+2 Your only expense would be optional donations, which are highly encouraged to support the animals. +3Tips for saving: Pack your own lunch and drinks to avoid purchasing from the gift shop.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
+1 Observing the native wildlife in environments designed to mimic their natural homes provides a unique perspective on conservation efforts. Don't miss: The opportunity to learn about the intricate ecosystems of Florida from the sanctuary's knowledgeable staff and educators.
The chance to see animals like panthers, bobcats, and various owl species in a setting that prioritizes their well-being over mere display is truly special. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission: Rescue, Rehab, Release
When animals are brought to the sanctuary with injuries that prevent them from surviving in the wild, they are given a permanent home and care. This dual mission of direct animal care and public education makes it a unique and impactful destination. Visitors can learn about the challenges facing Florida's wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts. The sanctuary's educators play a crucial role in dispelling myths and sharing accurate information about native species.
This educational aspect is a core part of their work, ensuring that visitors leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for the natural world. The sanctuary's commitment extends to creating environments that mimic natural habitats as closely as possible for the resident animals. This thoughtful design not only benefits the animals but also provides a more immersive and educational experience for visitors.
Exploring the Sanctuary's Habitats
+1 The enclosures are designed to be spacious and naturalistic, giving visitors a glimpse into the lives of animals like panthers, bobcats, bears, and foxes. +1One of the highlights for many visitors, especially during the hot Florida climate, is the air-conditioned reptile room. This indoor exhibit offers a cool respite while showcasing a variety of native snakes, lizards, and other reptiles.
+1When exploring, remember that the animals' activity levels can vary. Visiting during cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or late afternoons, often leads to more active sightings.
Community Support and Events
For instance, events like the Wheels Across the Pond car show have been held to raise funds and awareness for the sanctuary and other local causes. Local businesses and organizations also play a role in supporting the sanctuary's mission. Collaborations, such as those with custom cage builders, ensure that the animals have safe and appropriate housing.
These partnerships highlight the collective effort involved in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. The sanctuary's commitment to education also extends to engaging with the community through various outreach programs and events. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper connection between people and the natural world, encouraging responsible stewardship of Florida's wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit