Hardee County Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Zolfo Springs

I love the wildlife refuge! The workers are so kind and don't mind answering questions! If you ask ahead of time they will gladly give you a tour also! They care so much about the animals like they're all their friends! There's so many native Florida animals to see, as well as a few exotics! No lions, tigers, monkeys,or zebras though as many people have the misconception that they do! They do on the hand have a prairie dog, 2 kinkajous, 2 giant sulcata tortoises, 2 emus (one is white), 2 prehinsile porcupines, and for native species they have 3 foxes, 2 bobcats, 2 Florida panther cougars, an albino skunk, 3 raccoons (one is a dwarf, he's worth coming to see for sure, he's adorable), an otter, a Florida black bear, a great horned owl, 3 tiny screech owls, 2 giant Florida alligators (one with only 3 legs), and deers (a young buck and 3 does)! It is my favorite place to visit in Hardee County! You have to stop if you're visiting or just live here! It's amazing and so...

Went through this beautiful refuge today with my family and I have to say this was a wonderful experience. The animals are so well cared for and you can tell the staff loves them all. The manager herself spent a great deal of time talking with us and other guests about the refuge, nature and the animals. So wonderful to have someone of her knowledge spend so much time with all of us even though I know she had much to. The county should be very proud of this facility and staff. I think they should consider expanding because with these people running it, it could out do some of these bigger zoos. Wish I could give more...

I love taking my son here. I love the animals that are there. There is so much to look at! The only thing is that since the hurricanes in 2017, it hasn't been open since September! They lost a bear who was old and it was his time. There are quite a few large gators. The raccoons are so big and fat and lazy! The wild cats are great to admire. My favorite, personally, was the ostrich but I think something may have happened to him because there is 2 emus where he once was! But it's a great field trip spot or a spot just to bring children to see some...