Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is the forever home to discarded and many times mistreated and unwanted exotic "zoo type" animals that have been confiscated by Florida Fish and Wildlife, USDA (Federal and State), or other law enforcement agencies.  Many of Octagon's animals have come from over crowded facilities, breeding facilities that have been shut down, privately owned by people without proper licenses, or by people that thought it was a good idea to buy an exotic animal, only to realize it was a wild animal and they couldn't properly care for it, but cared for it the best they could. We are NOT a zoo. Though we rescue zoo type animals, these are animals that are 17 to 20 year generations of being born, raised, and sold in captivity to be a "pet" or be used in a business.  None of the animals have been taken out of the wild.  Zoos will not care for these animals due to their physical and/or mental conditions.

Once an animal is brought to Octagon, it is seen by a veterinarian who does a complete assessment, and is treated accordingly. Each animal is treated for specific ailments and conditions.  Diets are developed for each animal according to what they can handle with their condition, as well as their likes and dislikes. Their enclosures are built above and beyond USDA and Florida Fish and Wildlife regulations.  The tigers and bears all have swimming pools to cool off in or just play around, and the lions (who do not like pools) have lots of shade AND sunlight to lounge around....which they love to do! The animals at Octagon are given different items to play with, which is called enrichment, to keep them active in their environment.  Our primates all have a TV that is on all the time.  They love the interaction, being very social animals, the stimulation is very good for them.  They actually have favorite programs and let us know if something comes on they don't care for!  It's quite amusing.

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary  is a non-profit 501c3.  Our animals are cared for by volunteers.  Octagon relies on donations, some small grants, fundraisers, and very generous people!  Most of the food is donated by local stores, and meat distributors, that is not for human consumption, but still quite good for the animals. The operation of the sanctuary exceeds $15,000.00-$20,000.00 a month.  Octagon is not supplemented by any government agencies, therefore solely relies on our donors and surrounding communities for support. 

Octagon leases the land, which is privately owned, for $1.00 per year and is responsible for any and all maintenance, as well as all utility bills. 

Many of our animals after they have passed on are donated to reputable colleges and universities.  This allows anthropologists to further study how age and diseases affect God's creatures. 

Many school kids, girl/boy scouts have benefited through our education program.  High school and college aged individuals can also earn community hours by volunteering.  

We often refer to Octagon as "THE WILDEST RETIREMENT HOME IN PUNTA GORDA"!!!!! 

Our Mission: 

To provide a safe haven for exotic zoo type animals and to ensure they live out their lives in a healthy, stress free, clean and loving environment.