Two Tails Ranch has developed All About Elephants, an educational program for children and adults.   We do many school groups, day cares, home school groups, church, 4-H, scouts, we also have programs for seniors, artists, and professional animal care takers.   We have other exotic animals that we teach about, and our lippizan stallion horses that we do demonstrations with.   We have a museum that is dedicated to elephants past, present, and future.   We also have a small educational gift shop, and soon will have dinosaur digs for the children.


www.allaboutelephants.com
www.twotailsranch.com

We’ve been raising our animals since 2004.   We maintain a small herd of approximately 22 Suris.   In addition to our alpacas, we have added a llama and 2 Dromedary camels to complete the camelid picture.   Currently we also raise mini donkeys, emus, a few Boer goats, a wild native pig and her companion a Vietnamese Potbelly pig, guineas and turkeys.   It reads like a mini zoo but all the animals are loved and enjoyed!   Please don’t hesitate to call or email for a farm visit today!

Every Wednesday 3:00PM -3:45PM  September - May only
All ages
FREE

Morningside Nature Center has a farm, ee—i—ee—i—oh! On this farm, youngsters with an adult can meet and greet animals by helping staff with afternoon feeding. With a sheep here—and a cow there—learning about heritage breeds is fun!


www.natureoperations.org

Come face-to-face with exotic, vibrant butterflies fluttering atop a lush tropical canvas of foliage and flowers as you experience the Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History's newest permanent exhibit.   The screened vivarium houses tropical plants and trees to support 60 to 80 different species and hundreds of free-flying butterflies.   Guests can stroll through the Butterfly Rainforest on a winding path and relax to the sounds of cascading waterfalls year-round.   There are live butterfly releases on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., weather permitting.


www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflies

Camp Kulaqua Retreat and Conference Center is a place where you can renew, refresh and reprioritize your life.  Owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Conference in Florida, it is an excellent place for spiritual retreats.  Resting on 700 beautiful acres among sprawling majestic oak trees with our own natural spring, the camp offers many activities: Basketball and Volleyball in A/C Gym; Boardwalk; Canoeing; Hayride & Bonfire; Go-carts; Hiking; Low-elements Challenge Course; Horseback Riding; Mini-Golf; Natural Spring with Blob and Tarzan Swing; Rodeo; Shuffleboard; Softball and Soccer; lighted fields available); Skate Park; River Ranch Water Park; Zoo and Nature Center.


www.campkulaqua.com

You can walk up to the fence and are surrounded by ponies wanting to be played with or fed treats!   We are also happy to have you come out to our farm to try any of our sale ponies.   Please call first.


www.cheneywalkfarm.com

An alpaca farm. Visitors are welcome. Please call first.


Susan@daretodreamalpacas.com
www.daretodreamalpacas.com

Save your bread crusts or other bread/ cracker products and head to North Florida Medical Center on Newberry Road across from the mall.  Park in the parking garage for free, or on the street right near the pond.  Feed the ducks (and turtles) and take a nice walk around the pond on the path.

EARS Animal Sanctuary is not open to the public. In order for you to visit the sanctuary you must become a member and sign paperwork. This is Marion County policy and EARS Sanctuary MUST follow the law. EARS conducts membership drives / Family Tours on select dates throughout the year. Visit the website to check for upcoming dates.

EARS is a not-for-profit organization that exists specifically to provide permanent homes for unwanted and/or abused endangered animals.   We also rescue animals that are in need of help.   From tigers, lions and cougars to bears and monkeys... we have them all (over 200 in fact!).   EARS is providing excellent living conditions for previously malnourished, abused and even abandoned big cats.   Many people limit their understanding of big cats by the fears they hold that have been instilled by movie productions, circus trainers being brutally attacked and the media coverage that is focused on negative publicity.   What you don't see is the abuse, starvation and unfit working and living conditions that exist behind the scenes.   EARS challenges you to reach past your doubts and fears and get to know the truth about big cats.   We offer pictures of these cats at their rescue & months later living happily at EARS.   They came to us starved, sick and helpless.   Now they are self-sufficient, healthy and absolutely beautiful.


www.earsinc.net

1st Friday of every month 2:00PM - 3:00PM  /   September - May only
All ages
FREE

Join the fun, get the facts! Youngsters, with an adult, can join a Morningside Nature Center animal caretaker for amphibian and reptile feeding.


www.natureoperations.org

The Fur, Feathers & Fins program allows children to learn about the characteristics and habitats of fish, reptiles, birds and small animals.   Lessons in science, math and geography come to life through this hands-on field trip.   As students develop a respect for animals, they will also develop a greater sense of responsibility.

Trained tour leaders modify the field trips to be grade appropriate.   The FREE Fur, Feathers & Fins field trip will help children in grades K-8 develop and enhance skills in:
  -Basic needs for animal care
  -Animal habitats and characteristics
  -Environmental issues and animal survival
  -Animal respect
  -Math, reading and science



Click here for more information
www.petco.com

Animals improve our quality of life.  If you know someone who would be encouraged by a visit from one of our special horses, please contact us.  Our horses work with children and adults in hospitals, hospice, assisted care facilities, group homes or confined at home.  We also work with at risk and abused children, foster children and adults and children with disabilities.  Each visit is different.  We adjust the time and activities to the needs of the participants.  With children we often bring stuffed toy horses and our Gentle Carousel coloring book as a gift.  If Gentle Carousel participants would like photographs taken with our horses, we will make sure there is a photographer available.

Reading is Magic Program: Many children have never seen a horse up close or touched a horse but they dream of it!  Gentle Carousel's reading incentive program for elementary schools and preschools is called Reading Is Magic.  Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses with the help of "Magic" and friends bring real horses inside classrooms and libraries to inspire young readers.  Reading Is Magic has a special focus on struggling or at risk readers.  Poor readers are at increased risk for dropping out of school, substance abuse, delinquency and poverty.


jgarciab@bellsouth.net
www.horse-therapy.org

The Great Florida Birding Trail (GFBT) is a program of the FWC.   At its core is a network of 489 sites throughout Florida selected for their excellent birdwatching or bird education opportunities.   This 2000-mile, self-guided highway trail is designed to conserve and enhance Florida's bird habitat by promoting birdwatching activities, conservation education and economic opportunity.   Check the website for trail locations in your area.

www.floridabirdingtrail.com

Come See How Butterflies Grow!  Take a behind the scenes tour of a working butterfly farm.  The tour begins in an authentic 1920’s Cracker House and continues with a leisurely walk through the butterfly gardens with lots of shady benches for visitors to stop and enjoy the scenery.  The tour continues to the butterfly barn where free flying butterflies are the star attraction that will capture the imagination of the young and old alike.  This truly is an unforgettable experience.


www.greathousebutterflyfarm.com

2nd Saturday of every month 10:00AM
All ages
Free

Pet live reptiles and learn about the 300 plus animals in the store.

www.hogtownreptileshop.net

Lake Alice is a signature feature of the University of Florida campus.   It is a proven sanctuary to alligators as well as many birds.   On Lake Alice's northern side, there is a boardwalk that leads visitors through the woods and swamp to a viewing platform to see live alligators and turtles.

An international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting biological diversity through the conservation of fruit bats.   Tours for groups are available.


info@lubee.org
www.lubee.org

Saturday 11:00AM - 3:00PM
All Ages
FREE
Bring a bag (or bags) of carrots to feed the horses. Carrots are available for purchase at the gate.

The Retirement Home for Horses gives lifetime care to horses seized by law enforcement; those rescued by the SPCA or Humane Societies; horses retired from government service such as police patrol, state or federal parks; horses used by handicapped riding programs; circus horses; those used in experiments or similar cases.

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rhh@millcreekfarm.org
www.millcreekfarm.org

Party Animals Pony Rides has been in operation since 1991. We take pride in providing safe, beautiful ponies for your child's birthday party or any special occasion. Just choose a location and we'll make your next event unforgettable. We love what we do and we feel blessed to be able to call this our job.


www.underthesonfarm.com

An alpaca farm.   Visitors are welcome.  Please call first.


www.alpacanation.com/farmsandbreeders/03_viewfarm.asp?name=19778

NEW! The zoo is open from 9-2 and families are welcome to stroll around the zoo at their leisure without a tour guide as was the previous policy.

SFCC Teaching Zoo is home to over 75 different species of animals and over 200 individuals.   Some family favorites are the Bald Eagles, White-throated Capuchin monkeys, Sika Deer, Galapagos tortoises, Matschie's Tree Kangaroo, Asian small-clawed otters and African Grey parrots.   These species and many other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are on display in a naturally wooded environment.   The 3/4 mile trail through the wooded environment is lined with sawdust and is stroller and/or wheelchair accessible.


www.sfcollege.edu/zoo

Skunkie Acres Zoo is open from 10 a.m. until Dark Daily, Holidays included.   We welcome School Groups, Daycares, and Field Trips.  There is no Admission charge to our Zoo.   We have many different animals for you to enjoy.   Come and visit with our newest addition "Mariah Wind" our Cougar.   Visit with Amara and Gustah, our Columbian Wolves, Bandit the Raccoon, Foxy Lady, Rita, and Fang, our Foxes.  We have Deer, Possum, Armiddilo, African Tortosises, and don't forget our Skunks.   Meet Billy our mascot or one of our other many colored Skunks.   The Zoo is run entirely on your Donations.   We accept donations of cash, animal feed, bedding, etc...

Trail Rides We have 1 Hour Horseback Trails for $20.00 per person and a 2 Hour Trail which is $35.00 per person.   These are very scenic and Beautiful Trails and there is always the chance to see some of Florida's Wildlife.   We also have a 3 Hour Trail which goes down by the Beautiful Suwannee River for $50.00 per person.   Children are welcome on our trails however children under the age of 16 must wear helmets per State Law.   We have Helmets available for your use at no charge.   Children 5 and under can ride with a responsible adult on the same horse for no additional fee.   All Proceeds from Trail Rides goes to help support the Animal Rescue and Zoo.

School Programs and Field Trips Our Objective here at Skunkie Acres, Inc. is to educate Children about animals here in our State of Florida and also about animals from around the world.   Children receive hands on educations about animals and lessons on the importance of animals to our world. Our Goal is to interest the School System in affordable and educational field trips right here in Northern Florida.   We have something for all ages from Horseback Riding to a Walk Thru Zoo, to Petting Farms and much much more.We have a spacious tent with seating to rest or to enjoy your lunch upon. We also have available an exotic zoo with benches available.   We also have ample parking and can handle bus parking.   Each of our field trips will have a guided tour by a professional guide and animal handler with questions and answers.   Flyers will be presented to all children and chaperones.   There is a minimum of 1 Chaperone for every 10 Children.   Our intentions will be to try to keep the age groups in their selected locations.   Children will also learn the importance of cleanliness when interacting with animals.   We stress the importance of hand washing when handling animals.   We have several hand washing/sanitizing stations available throughout our animal areas.We have specific days for horseshoeing and farriering.   Horseback lessons are available but are not included in our field trips.

Parties Our Birthday Parties include unlimited Pony Rides and Bounce Castle Rides.   We have a covered picnic area complete with tables which is decorated in either blue or pink for your child.   We provide guided tours thru our Zoo for the children and they even get to hold a Skunk.   The Birthday child gets his/her 8x10 Framed picture on a minature buckboard pulled by a minature horse.   We provide the plates, napkins, and forks.   You bring the cake and ice cream.   We do not charge for adults attending the party we only charge for the children.


www.skunkieacres.com

Horseback Riding, Pony Rides, Horse Hotel, Scuba Diving, Camping, Petting Zoo, Arts & Crafts, Dancing, Music and more!   Relax in the peace and quiet of nature's paradise.   Let your creativity flow with an arts, music or dance class.   Embark on a horseback riding adventure, find treasures at the antique store and take advantage of the activities at our neighbour's: Two Tails Ranch, Blue Grotto and Devil's Den.   We do parties and events!


corey.souza@yahoo.com
www.twohawkhammock.com

The university built this 18-by-18-foot bat house in 1991 as a replacement home for bats living in campus buildings.  It is now gaining fame as the world's largest bat house.  In late spring, summer, and early fall, at nightfall, visitors can watch the nightly emergence of between 40,000 and 70,000 Southeastern and Mexican free-tailed bats from a fenced observation area that has benches and an informational kiosk.


www.afn.org/~ufbat/

Uncle Mike's Hug-N-Farm is a mobile petting farm that brings the farm right to you!   We have adorable calves, sheep, goats, chickens and several of the most lovable bunnies you'll ever see!   We also offer pony rides for the little cowboys and cowgirls!   We travel to birthday parties, company picnics, open house events, grand openings, church functions or other social gatherings.   We bring everything we need, including the fencing, so all you need to do is enjoy the animals!