Exotic Animal Encounters Near
Ocala, FL
Ocala is horse country, but the most unique animal encounter in Marion County is not on a ranch, it is 38 miles southwest at Chase Sanctuary in Webster offers exotic animal encounters near Ocala FL. This 20-acre nonprofit sanctuary is home to lemurs, sloths, anteaters, otters, wallabies, and more, and it operates small guided experiences that put you inside the animals' world rather than behind a fence.
Genuinely Wild
Chase Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so every dollar you spend goes to animal care and conservation.
For Ocala residents looking for something genuinely different, the drive via US-27 takes about 40 minutes.
Book Your Experience →"For Ocala residents looking for something genuinely different, the drive via US-27 takes about 40 minutes."— Location Details
Address: 6127 SE 122nd Blvd, Webster, FL 33597
Signature Experiences
Discover the encounters that make Chase Sanctuary unforgettable.
$95/person | Saturdays at 9:00AM
Walk through the open-air lemur enclosure with a guide, meeting lemurs, giant tortoises, muntjac deer, wallabies, and other open-air inhabitants at first light.
Book Sunrise$125/person | Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays at 11AM
An intimate private tour centered on the lemur troop. Get up close, learn about their endangered status, and experience these remarkable primates firsthand. Chase Sanctuary's most popular experience.
Book Lemur & Friends$195/person | 9AM-1PM, by appointment
Step into the role of an animal keeper for a half day. Assist with feeding, enrichment, and daily care alongside experienced staff. The most hands-on experience Chase Sanctuary offers.
Book Keeper for a DayBook your exotic animal encounters near Ocala FL now!
Add-On Encounters
Add-On Encounters (+$75 each)
Sloth / Anteater Add-On
Up-close time with gentle sloths or anteaters -- always on the animal's own terms.
Fennec Fox Add-On
Meet the sanctuary's big-eared, endlessly charming fennec fox. Tiny, curious, and unforgettable.
About Chase Sanctuary
Chase Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit wildlife sanctuary in Webster, FL dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of endangered primates and exotic animals.
The sanctuary operates on WAZA welfare standards. Animal interactions are never forced.
Every dollar from your booking goes directly to animal care and conservation. No animals from Chase Sanctuary have ever been sold as pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far is Chase Sanctuary from Ocala?
A: Chase Sanctuary is approximately 38 miles southwest of Ocala -- about a 40-minute drive via US-27 South to Webster, FL.
Q2: What exotic animals can I encounter near Ocala at Chase Sanctuary?
A: Chase Sanctuary is home to ring-tailed lemurs, sloths, anteaters, otters, wallabies, giant tortoises, muntjac deer, fennec foxes, and more. The specific animals you encounter depend on the experience you book.
Q3: Is Chase Sanctuary open on weekdays for Ocala visitors?
A: Several experiences run on weekdays. The Lemur & Friends Private Tour runs Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11AM. Painting With Primates runs Fridays at 3PM. Keeper for a Day is available by appointment any day.
Q4: Is Chase Sanctuary appropriate for nature lovers from Ocala?
A: Chase is ideal for nature enthusiasts. The Sunrise at the Sanctuary experience is especially popular with guests who love wildlife and want an immersive outdoor encounter at first light on Saturday mornings.
Q5: Can Ocala school groups or educational groups visit Chase Sanctuary?
A: Yes. Chase Sanctuary welcomes educational groups and can accommodate custom arrangements. Contact the sanctuary directly for group bookings and educational programming options.