Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in North Fort Myers

I was really nervous when my daughter got tickets for 13 of us. The wavier was a bit scary because I knew nothing about the sanctuary. But since quite a few family members were going, I thought I should go. I was pleasantly surprised. The tour was so interesting and you just fall in love with the animals when you hear their stories from the guide. I thought we were going to be out on a hot trail for over an hour, but the animals are confined to the same areas, kinda like a zoo. Several of the larger animals have TVs to watch when they aren't visiting with their guests. They seem to be happy and content there. They all have conditions where they are not able to make it in the wild, so they are treated ,fed, and swim at their home. I will be returning and will take visitors there when they come to visit. God has blessed these wild animals with their own hospice. They are fed, have medical care, pools, and toys. I just wish all the wild animals people try to keep as pets would never have been moved from their homes, but they were, and the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary has been a life saver for for them. They all have names and several respond when they hear their name. It's a wonderful place and if I lived closer, I would want to volunteer to help. Please make your reservations soon as they close during the hot summer months. If you wait until fall when it is cooler you might run into or other members of my family. We all would love to spend more time there. Oh, and there a several different species there, so if you don't like one, there is a different one in the...

Amazing...followed by ten more adjectives. This is a must for locals and the top of the list destination for visitors. I would describe Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary as zoo meets a tranquility garden. Instant relaxation. Limited hours daily. Weekdays 9AM - Noon. Parking is outside the sanctuary. Easy access for handicap and elderly. No animals like dogs are allowed. This place is peaceful and no matter how much your dog’s bark is cute to you, one bark would destroy the serenity. Please don’t leave a barking dog in your vehicle. The lot is 100 feet from the animal cages.

Fees are low. $5 for seniors and children. $10 adult. The walk from vehicle to entrance is a long city block. The staff is super friendly. The place is not that big, but big enough to see many different types of animals. What we liked were the many tables and chairs scattered everywhere. Each table also had complementary sun screen. Water is $1. I would suggest a picnic or beverages and take time to sit and relax. The many birds make for a wonderful audio experience.

The animals here are loved. Unlike a zoo where I feel sorry for the trapped animals, this rescue setting is much different. These beautiful animals are lucky to be at Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary. Everyone from visitors, volunteers and the animals are happy!

It’s located officially in Punta Gorda but that’s misleading. It’s not far from the Lee Civic Center and located across the road from the new Babcock Ranch (it’s worth checking out Babcock Ranch. There are a couple of great restaurants and an ice cream...

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...