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 theyve 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 youve never visited or heard of OWS please take the time to support their mission. These animals deserve to be loved!

Its 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.

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

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!

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!

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!

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.

This is a fantastic little place to stop at if youre anywhere near the area or just passing through. Ive never been to a zoo that had even half the animals Octagon has, and on top of it this isnt a zoo. This is a place that rescues and rehabilitates animals meant to be in captivity. Theyre not open all year round but its for good purpose, theyre 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 Im around!

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

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. Its beautiful. Theres plenty of chairs and tables, plenty of spots with shade. The volunteers are a Godsend. They treat these animals as if theyre their own. Such a great time. Far better experience than a standard zoo

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

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

Tremendous! This is a sanctuary for large animals, many being large cats. These folks really care about the animals. Very well kept. You wont regret the drive and the visit. All of the care-givers are friendly and helpful. Enjoy!

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

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!

What an amazing place️ We went on Sunday for Community Appreciation Day it was very busy will definitely go back again when its more relaxed. The animals are so amazing you can tell they are truly happy! I highly recommend going here dont 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 love coming here!! My son always has a blast

Very nice place Im so glad they do this everyday something I would love to do️️

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!!!

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!

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

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.

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

Nice place. Would definitely come back when in the area. They take very good care of animals. Its 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.

Well worth the visit!!!! These kind folks are providing an amazing service to hundreds of animals (mostly exotic) that would have otherwise been destroyed or improperly cared for. Please visit and or help these folks anyway you can. It was an amazing opportunity to expose our two young children to a variety of valuable subjects.

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.

Truly an amazing experience. Just a completely relaxing experience! A must see!!! We will be frequenting here!

Lots of animals! Each animal has its own story of how they found their forever home with the sanctuary. It was a lovely visit.

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

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!

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 Id you are a animal/big cat lover!

This place was wonderful. The staff was super friendly and you can tell they take great care of the animals there. They run on donations so I recommend buying some souvenirs on the way out. We cant wait to go back!

This is a true wildlife sanctuary with up close viewing of tigers, bears, bobcats and other wonderful animals. Nice to see a non-commercialized view. Easy to walk around.

My daughter is from Minnesota and she was so excited & she is 23 years old almost 24 and she had the best time of her life there. Very very happy with our visit to your facility ! :D

Such a great place. These people volunteer their time to take care of these animals and love them properly. We spent about an hour here. There is the stories of where the animals came from on each enclosure. A big thank you to everyone who volunteers their time here.

A sanctuary for abused and poorly handled creatures who belonged in the wi li d except for selfish humans. The volunteers make homes for these critters and give them what they need to have some type of life. Donations and volunteers are always welcome

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

Its a awesome place wish i would have gone sooner .I know this i will be volunteering in the future. Not only time but other things they need.

Wish youd reopen during this fake Plandemic. Our family misses seeing these amazing animals!

Such a cool place to visit. The work theyre doing here is amazing.

Absolutely wonderful! The people are so friendly, educated, helpful and passionate!The animals were out and moving being early morning and brisk weather. Monday and Thursdays at 9:30 am are feeding times, we plan to be there next time we are in Florida. THEY HAVE LIGERS!!! AMAZING TO SEE IN PERSON AND ONLY A FEW FEET AWAY!Will definitely be back anytime we are back in Florida!

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.

Nice place to visit, very nice people around here, 1 hour will be enough to walk and see all animals

Enjoyed this place very much. Interesting to learn how each of the animals arrived here and how well they are cared for.

Lots of tigers. 2 majestic Lions as well as other animals. Worth adding it to your list of places to see.

It was well worth the trip, the animals look great.

Beautiful people work here! Such a wonderful place to take your children. They have so many different animals and have a short description of why each one of them are there. All cages looked greatly cared for and animals appear happy and peaceful. If I could contribute more I would but I do love teaching the children what good people in the world can do when showing them a place such as this!!

This place has rescued and abandoned animals. Theyre doing a wonderful service with so many big cats, bears and other animals.

A beautiful home for mistreated exotic animals. Its obvious they take exceptionally good care of the animals. The place is clean, and there are lots of tables and benches to have a picnic. You can see all kinds of animals like tigers, lions, and even ligers. And they are huge! Its run by volunteers and funded by donations. Be sure to peave a little extra when you leave. We need more places like this!

What an amazing place! They have so many amazing and beautiful animals here, most of which are being rehabilitated for some reason. Everyone who works there is a volunteer and they are all super knowledgeable about the animals and happy to explain to anyone! Would highly recommend to anyone in the area, especially if you want to see some really really incredible animals.

It was raining a little and the staff borrowed us an umbrella. They were extremely nice! These are all rescued animals so they can use the public support. You really can get up close with the animals and get great pictures. Interesting to read their individual stories. We walked it several times as the animals were waking up and sleeping at different times. Also Babcock Ranch is nearby so you can make a whole day trip out of it.

Get there early...the hours are from 9-12. Animals seemed healthy and content. The staff was very helpful and friendly.

Awsome place to take the kids. Really cool what they do for these animals.

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.

I command all the volunteers at the Octagon Wildlife Perserve. They take such GREAT care of Gods 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.

They have a lot of bears here. Some lions and tigers too. Not too many birds. I felt like we went through the zoo quickly. They have bug spray and sun screen. Overall it was a nice zoo. Not fancy though. But what zoos are right? They still had Christmas decorations up. My mom said they keep them up all year. Its nice tho. Its an interesting zoo.

An awesome place to visit! Beats any zoo I’ve ever been to. Each animal has been rescued which makes things a hundred times better. A peaceful area that people of all ages can enjoy. I will definitely be coming back soon! I recommend that you visit and donate. Prices are fair. Be sure to stop by early because they close at noon on weekdays!

I enjoyed seeing a lot of the animals up close and I know they are doing their best to protect these animals as they were once in a worst place. But it was sad to see the animals in such small spaces I hope they are able to expand more like we were told by the lady they are trying to do. I would give 5 stars if this was the case but a lot of the animals seemed lonely or in need of space.

You pay to enter the money goes to feeding all the animals daily....Great place to stroll n look at all the rescued Animals. seating n shade all around. pleasant workers .. All volunteers

For quite, peaceful, and easy place to walk and enjoy the animals. Volunteers were nice and keep the cages clean. No bad smells. Most animals have a history. Make sure you read them.

Awesome place! From the music playing from the trees along the entrance to the fabulous animals and volunteers. A must see when visiting the area.

Amazing facility for animals. Enjoyed the visit, and will definitely return! Thank you for all that you do for these animals!

Can not recommend this place highly enough. It was great to get to visit all of their residents! You get an up close view and I dunno if we had good timing or what, but all of the animals were interested and active. The staff couldnt have been better. Definitely worth visiting!!!

Great rescue reserve. Definately worth a visit!

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!

Nice place to enjoy and support!

Great place to visits. Lots to see. My kids loved it.

The animals are very well taken care of! Took us about 45 minutes to see them all (visited with two 3 year olds). Could have spent a little longer with older children. Only drawback - not all enclosures have readable signs, so I wasn’t sure what each animal was or its name. But we will be back for sure!ETA: Restrooms are portables, so keep that in mind especially if visiting with small children.

Loved being able to get close and personal with the animals. Plus they have been saved from harm! Volunteers are all knowledgeable and friendly, too!

Such a cool place. Lots of animals to explore. Sure they are in cages, but they are not use to the wild and odds are they wouldnt survive. They each have their own story posted. We went when some tigers water was getting changed. He was playing in it, it was so funny and he is quite the entertainer.

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

This was the best place weve been! Cheap price, early morning so the weather wasnt bad,the man working the front was so nice and welcoming, the animals are well taken care of !

Down from Maryland...thank you for the work you guys do for them

Amazing facility! You can get close to the animals. Nice to know theres folks that care for these animals. Worth the price!

Very informative. Loved how many animals they have. All animals are very well nourished and seem happy. Bring a bag lunch, plenty of picnic areas. Definitely something to do with the family.

Great experience for Adults and children! Beautiful animals that were rescued or left there! Well kept and they look like they are having fun!

What a wonderful experience. Immaculate and well cared for animals. Bridget was there to greet us and talked with us about some of the animals. An elderly gentleman was incredibly knowledgeable. Thank you to the volunteers...you guys are angels that walk the earth~

Im really sorry that a place like this is needed for these wonderful animals. Please go and contribute and donate what you can to help feed and take care of these beautiful animals

Im very happy someone stepped up to take care of these creatures. Most of them seem to be happy. Saw the big cats playing with the large balls and one small primate was draping a blanket across himself in different ways until he found a pose he liked. Some were even watching their own TV!! I would recommend this place to all.

Very cool place!! Recommend it to everyone! They do an amazing job. You are so close to the animals!! You can hear the Lions roar. Soo neat. They have a plethora of animals to enjoy. The staff does a great job. Will definitely visit again.

One of the cleanest and better organized wildlife sanctuaries that I have visited where the wildlife is the primary concern. Love that classical music is played for the big cats.

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

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 its inhabitants.

Loved it. These animals looked healthy and were incredible to observe.

17 tigers! Bears! Ligers are huge! The kids had alot of fun!

Fun for while family. U could do whole park in 2hrs. And love that They provide complementary bug spray and sunblock for everyone

Great for kids and lovers. American male well taken care of, cages could be bigger. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and wonderful volunteers.

We visit here from Canada everytime we are in Florida. My daughter is the same age as Bella and lives to come to see how she is. This is an up close way to see the big animals. Some of the big cats we usually saw, had passed away from old age etc. So we were a bit sad. The man at the front desk, was so very friendly and informative. You can even bring your lunch in and have a picnic. We cant reccomend this visit more! We love it!

A wonderful afternoon, among the animals. Interesting variety. Runs completely on patrons donations.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time seeing all the animals, but especially loved seeing Optimus play with a pumpkin! We will definitely be back!

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

Amazing very cool well worth the trip

The animals were gorgeous! Nice large enclosures for them. Really neat to see them up close. Be forewarned, they only take cash

Really enjoyed this sanctuary! So close to the animals. Animals are very well taken care of. Also enjoyed reading the background of each animal.

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

We like the place and wanted to show it to others and arrived at almost noon. Didnt know that they closed then. The staff exiting were super nice.

A nice stop coming from fort myers to Acadia. This is a sanctuary for exotic animals that can not be released back into the wild. Every animal has a name and story posted as to how they got there. It is amazing what these people do for the animals. It is about an hour walk through. The facility also has spray sun screen around everywhere for people to use.

Doing their part to help save endangered species.Please go and support their mission. They are doing a great job on a shoestring budget. If you want to see exotic animals that can never be released into the wild, abd need care, this is the place. Compact area is easily seen in an hour or two. Very caring staff. Go Everytime we are in the area.

We thoroughly enjoyed Octagon. It is very clean and animals are well taken care of. Definitely worth the trip. Takes about 45 minutes to make it through to see all of the animals. You can also go down the road to Babcock Ranch and eat at Table to Tap....excellent food!

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