Our Visit to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary: A Hidden Florida Treasure
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| Busch Wildlife Sanctuary |
Looking for a meaningful, family-friendly Florida adventure that won’t break the bank? Let me introduce you to a hidden gem we recently visited: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida.
This beautiful sanctuary combines wildlife rescue, education, and nature trails, making it the perfect stop for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking to explore the real Florida. The best part? Admission is by donation, so it’s budget-friendly while helping the animals too!
🕒 Hours, Admission & Accessibility
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding major holidays. There’s no admission fee—just a suggested donation to help support the animals and the important work they do.
✔️ Wheelchair and stroller accessible
✔️ Restrooms available
✔️ Allow about at least an hour to explore all the outdoor habitats
✔️ Great for all ages!
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| A Florida Panther in the Shade |
🐾 Our Experience at the Sanctuary
1. A Warm Welcome
Our visit began in the Welcome Center, where friendly staff greeted us and shared information about the sanctuary’s mission to rescue and rehabilitate native Florida wildlife. It felt good knowing that our visit was helping a great cause.
2. An Educational Start
Inside the main building, we stepped into an educational room that kids (and grown-ups) will love. There were:
Animal furs to touch
Real animal bones to observe
Fun, hands-on learning stations
It was a great way to engage kids in learning about local wildlife before heading outside to see the animals.
3. Walking the Trail
We grabbed our water bottles and sunscreen—it was a typical hot Florida day—and headed out onto the trail. Tip: Florida summers can be intense, so come prepared!
Our first stop was a peaceful songbird garden, then we continued on to see the animals.
4. Wildlife Encounters
Here’s what we saw (and a few that were hiding!):
River Otters – hiding that day
Florida Panthers – one was walking around!
Alligators & Crocodiles – camouflaged and easy to miss
Deer, waterbirds, and a majestic Bald Eagle
Bobcats – both were out, which was a rare treat!
We loved how all the enclosures were designed to feel like the animals' natural habitats.
5. The Reptile Building
This indoor, air-conditioned space was a welcome break from the heat. Inside, we saw:
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Copperhead
Water Moccasin
Several non-venomous snakes
A small play and learning area for kids
Learning to recognize these snakes in a safe setting was fascinating—and gave us more respect for Florida’s wild side!
6. The Black Bear... Was Hiding
We hoped to see the sanctuary’s black bear, but he was likely cooling off in the shade. Understandable in that heat!
We did spot a variety of owls, blue jays, vultures, and other native birds throughout the trail.
7. Picnic & Playground Break
After walking the trail, we took a break at the picnic area, which has shaded tables and a small playground for kids. It’s the perfect spot to relax before wrapping up your visit.
8. Gift Shop Stop
Before leaving, we popped back into the Welcome Center to check out the gift shop. Proceeds help support the sanctuary, so it’s a great way to take home a souvenir and give back.
💬 Final Thoughts
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is the kind of place that makes you feel connected to nature while supporting something truly worthwhile. Whether you're local or just visiting South Florida, this sanctuary is a peaceful, affordable, and educational stop for the whole family.
👉 Travel Tip: If you're heading to Jupiter, pair this with a visit to a nearby beach or nature preserve for a full-day nature adventure! Riverbend Park & Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park is right down the street.
📸 Want to See More?
Watch our full YouTube video from this visit here:
Don’t forget to subscribe to Travel Moments with Gwen on YouTube for more family-friendly travel inspiration, hidden gems, and relaxing moments from around the country.
📍 Plan Your Visit
Location: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jupiter, Florida
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week (closed holidays)
Admission: By donation
Website: https://www.buschwildlife.org/
Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Average Visit Time: At least 1 hour
Great for: Families, kids, animal lovers, nature photographers, eco-tourists
Please note: We are not affiliated with Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.
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