Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary - Wimauma

tiger

I recently visited ​Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary to see what it was all about. The sanctuary provides a home for animals of the type that cannot be cared for by just anybody. Whether legally or illegally, sometimes people end up with more tigers than they can handle. Tigers are not native to Florida and would be a nuisance if released, especially those raised by humans and untrained in the ways of the forest. Rather than discarding them, Elmira’s takes them in and provides a home for them to spend the rest of their lives. This keeps both me and them safe should we meet out on one of my nature walks. They will take in not only tigers, but bears, wolves, lemurs, coatimundis, lions, macaws, servals, leopards, and other exotic animals. They even have a couple dog-wolf hybrids. Few of the animals were ever fully domesticated and most do not appear to care for company. Not all are neutered. It is not a zoo, but tours are available Saturdays on which you can take your picture with the animals. Just don’t expect them to hold still and pose for you.

When I visited, I learned that the animals all have different quirks and temperaments. Some will hide their food bowls. Some are picky. The bear Stanley really seems to love his pool and pool toys. I learned there are many ways to support the sanctuary. Tour tickets can be bought in advance on their website and the revenue goes to care for the animals. In their online store they sell shirts printed with photographs of their favorite residents. You can also donate or volunteer.

lemur

wolf

13910 Seminole Trail, Wimauma, Florida
ElmirasWildlife.org

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Written by Daniel Noe, InkDoodler.com