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Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jupiter: Florida wildlife in a free park-like setting

There are lots of things to love about Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida.

It has a variety of animals, with dozens of types of Florida wildlife displayed; entrance is by whatever donation you choose to give, and it provides critical care for hurt or sick critters, who usually got that way because of interaction with us.

Animals at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jupiter, Florida. (Photos: David Blasco & Bonnie Gross)
Animals at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jupiter, Florida. (Photos: David Blasco & Bonnie Gross)

It’s a particularly nice stop for families, but animal lovers of all ages were enjoying the place when we visited on a recent winter weekday.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary started 40 years ago, beginning strictly as a wildlife rehab center. Eventually, it added education to its mission and began a step-by-step development process that has resulted in it being visited by 100,000 people every year.

The entrance to the news welcome center at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)
The entrance to the new welcome center at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

In fall 2023, it moved to a new site in Jupiter Farms that tripled its size and took $20 million to develop. The new site will be less shaded until the trees mature and the space is larger and less intimate.

The Busch in the name comes from Peter W. Busch, whose family foundation is a key supporter. Busch owns Southern Eagle Distributing, the local Anheuser-Busch distributor. Like nearly all Florida wildlife care centers, it’s not government funded; it depends on donations and fund-raising.

The deer at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary came close the fence and kids were delighted. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)
The deer at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary came close the fence and kids were delighted. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

Visiting Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

The facility isn’t huge, but there are many different animals (about 200) and habitats.

All along the trails are well-designed enclosures for birds and beasts, ranging from some of the top predators – Florida panther, black bear, alligator and crocodile – and including deer, otter, bobcats, foxes and a wide variety of birds.

The turkey in the pinelands area was entertaining in that he gobbled repeatedly for visitors. Most of us no longer know what a real turkey gobble sounds like. (Photo: David Blasco)
The turkey in the pinelands area was entertaining as he gobbled repeatedly for visitors. Most of us no longer know what a turkey gobble actually sounds like. (Photo: David Blasco)

We felt lucky to see both the panther and the black bear moving about.

The park has a picnic tables for visitors to use, a children’s play area and is built along paved trails.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary suggests allowing about an hour to walk through the facility, but you’ll have a better experience if you plan your visit when there is a wildlife presentation too.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary 2023 12 Busch Wildlife Sanctuary aerial Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jupiter: Florida wildlife in a free park-like setting
Aerial view of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (courtesy Busch Wildlife Sanctuary)

Wildlife programs at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

There are daily educational programs, ranging from a gator feeding at 4 p.m. Monday to Otter Adventures at the otter habitat at 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays. See the schedule here.

The reptile exhibit was satisfying because you could get close to the snakes and other reptiles and watch them. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)
The reptile exhibit was satisfying because you can get close to the snakes and other reptiles and watch them. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

When we visited, we saw an owl program featuring an injured barn owl who assists in these presentations and although I’ve been to many programs on Florida birds, I learned a few things in the interesting 15-minute presentation.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary website

17855 Rocky Pines Road
Jupiter, Florida 33478

(561) 575-3399

Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The playground and picnic area at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)
The playground and picnic area at the new Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

A recent newsletter from the sanctuary made this interesting point: “In Florida, there are no government-funded injured wildlife care facilities. If someone finds an injured wild animal, their only option for help is to find a non-profit organization that specializes in wildlife rehabilitation. There are only a handful of such organizations scattered throughout the state.” Busch Wildlife Center sees about 5,000 animals a year.

Things to do near Busch Wildlife Center, Jupiter, Florida


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myenchantingfloridalife

Saturday 26th of January 2019

Would love to drive down there one day for a visit! Love visiting different animal sanctuaries, facilities here in Florida:) Thanks for sharing!

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