From big cats to reptiles, these animal sanctuaries in Texas rescue wildlife in need and promote conservation.
Some people take animal loving to another level—making it their life’s work to save otherwise unwanted creatures and give them a safe, happy home. Not all superheroes wear capes! Many of these animal sanctuaries in Texas allow visitors to spend time with rescued wildlife while raising funds for the rehabilitation, conservation, and education they provide.
From big cat sanctuaries (think: “The Tiger King,” but without the animal cruelty) to farm-animal sanctuaries, there are many animal sanctuaries in Texas that save animals from exploitation, neglect, and death, giving them better lives. Learn more about these rescue organizations below.
1. In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center
Location: 3430 Skyview Drive, Wylie
Founded by veterinary technician Vicky Keahey, In-Sync Exotics focuses on rescuing exotic felines who have been neglected or abused. The animals are loved and cared for at this USDA-licensed sanctuary, which is accredited by the American Sanctuary Association (ASA) and verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
Some of the beautiful big cats you will get to see here include lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, cheetahs, and bobcats. Sign up for a self-guided tour to see these ferocious felines in their habitats or book a specialized visit to watch keepers feed the animals live. Or, go to one of the sanctuary’s special events, like an Easter Egg Hunt on Apr. 4 and the Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast on May 9.
Admission starts at $10 for kids and $15 for adults.
2. The Misfit Farm
Location: San Antonio
Calling all the unwanted, misunderstood, and lonely animals: The Misfit Farm is the place for you! This nonprofit takes in animals that nobody else wants—including pigs rescued from research labs, horses saved from kill pens, bunnies taken from certain euthanasia, and abandoned longhorns, dogs, cats, and others—and gives them a second chance at a happy life.
Many animals are available for adoption at The Misfit Farm. You can also book a private visit to feed the animals and see their beautiful home. Donations of $20 per person are requested for entry, with additional cool services available for an additional fee, including professional photos with the animals.
3. Austin Farm Sanctuary
Location: 1165 Old Pin Oak Road, Paige
Over 250 animals call the Austin Farm Sanctuary home, which includes goats, pigs, sheep, cows, birds, and even a tortoise named Wiz. The sanctuary, owned by Angela and Chris Fuller-Wiggs, is focused on treating its residents well and educating the public about farm animals.
Schedule a private tour for up to eight people for $250 to see the sweet animals and learn their stories. For an even more in-depth experience, you can stay the night in their cozy Airstream, where you will fall asleep surrounded by the sounds of wildlife. It’s like living in a real-life fairy tale!
Many fun events take place at the Austin Farm Sanctuary as well, including Spring Fest on Apr. 5 and Doya Palooza on Apr. 25.
4. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Location: 2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), and the USDA, the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center promotes conservation, animal research, and professional training for those interested in volunteering or pursuing a career.
Go on a guided safari tour or drive your own car through the 7.2-mile park. During the drive, you can feed giraffes right from your window and take pictures of all the other interesting animals roaming freely around, including antelopes, rhinoceroses, cheetahs, deer, zebras, and ostriches, among others. You can also book an overnight stay at the Lodge to spend even more time enjoying the animals.
5. Black Beauty Ranch
Location: 12526 County Road 3806, Murchison
Black Beauty Ranch, part of Humane World for Animals, rescues mistreated animals and gives them a safe space with natural habitats to call home. The GFAS-accredited organization, which is a member of Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance and North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance, has nearly 650 domestic and exotic animals living on 1,400 acres.
Here, you’ll find every type of animal, from bison to horses, apes to reptiles, lemurs to bears, and many other creatures in between. Tours are available on select Saturdays, starting at $49 for adults and $20 for those under 17.
6. Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary
Location: 17552 FM 14, Tyler
Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary, part of the National Foundation for Rescued Animals and Texas Parks and Wildlife, has rescued more than 75 big cats and assisted over 1,200 wild animals in need. This animal haven cares for abused and neglected species, provides medical treatment, rehabilitation, and release when possible, and assists with animal research at institutions such as Texas A&M and the National Institutes of Health.
Schedule a guided tour at Tiger Creek to learn more about endangered animal conservation, and, of course, see all the wonderful animals that live here (tickets starting at $16).
7. Rowdy Girl Farm Animal Sanctuary
Location: 634 FM 1296, Waelder
Two former Texas cattle ranchers had a change of heart and went vegan—and the Rowdy Girl Farm Animal Sanctuary was born. Now, co-founders Renee King-Sonnen and Tommy Sonnen care for 130 rescued farm animals and educate the public about veganism and animal rights. Talk about a unique love story!
Here, you’ll see cows, goats, pigs, chickens, and other animals who would have otherwise been slaughtered living their best lives. Book a tour for up to four people for $350 or attend the Heart Working Volunteer Day on Apr. 25 to get dirty helping animals and cleaning the farm.
8. Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation
Location: Kendalia
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation has received more than 200,000 wild animals since it opened in 1977. The organization receives 10,000 animals each year for rehabilitation, including opossums, bobcats, coyotes, squirrels, and other species, with over 500 animals living as permanent residents, including black bears, primates, and mountain lions.
The GFAS-accredited organization educates people about better ways to connect with nature and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. They care for all types of wildlife, no matter what kind, and believe that these creatures should never be kept in captivity or put on public display. For this reason, the only way to see the unique cuties who live here is to follow them online or sign up to volunteer with the rescue.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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