For the days you’d rather be around animals over humans, we’ve got a lengthy list of sanctuaries, nature preserves and conservation foundation—all within a 30-minute drive. Sneak away for an exciting afternoon with exotic creatures you just don’t get to see every day, all the while learning about their wild habits and the conservation efforts being done on local, national, and even some international levels in order to sustain their precious species.

Myakka Elephant Ranch, Location disclosed upon booking appointment, 941-702-0220, myakkaelephantranch.org, @myakkaelephantranch.

Myakka Elephant Ranch

Experience majestic creatures five times your size, up close and personal. It’s not widely known among many residents, but the public can book once-in-a-lifetime visits to the Myakka Elephant Ranch and nonprofit conservation center.You’ll learn everything about African and Asian elephants in an educational one-hour seminar. You can also book a “Rise and Shine Encounter” to touch, feed and love up on everyone’s favorite gentle giant with family photo options. And, if you’re not afraid to get your shoes wet, consider the “Elephant Spa Encounter” for the special chance to bathe the animals. Water is very important for an elephant's skin,  so they must get a full bath at least once a day.

Sea Lion Preserve

If you have a soft spot for animals who spend the majority of their time in the water, Myakka is also home to the slippery-when-wet Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve conservation and care center--a sea lion rescue facility open to the public for educational presentations and swim interactions with 13 sea lion residents. The preserve is home to a mix of Californian and South African species that have been rescued and rehabilitated from injuries in the wild. Packages range from Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and “Trainer for a Day.” Depending on how close and how wet you’re willing to get, experiences range from land interactions and painting with the sea lions, to hugs and kisses with them, to playing games (with balls, frisbees and hoops) with them. You can get private, one-on-one time with the sea lions and a trainer. You can even suit up and dive in the water with them, asking them to perform tricks.

Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve, 36302 Singletary Rd., Myakka City, 941-219-3583, sarasotasealionpreserve.com. 

Photo courtesy of Bearadise Ranch Bear Preserve, 6908 245th St. East, Myakka City, 941-322-2462, bearadise-ranch.com, @bearadiseranch. 

Bearadise Ranch 

And in the same Myakka City vicinity, get up close and personal with another large mammal at Bearadise Ranch Bear Preserve—a wildlife park and learning facility to promote awareness of habitat preservation and conservation for Florida bear species. Tours are by reservation only and operations are seasonal. Educational and entertaining presentations are part of the tour, as well as plenty of photographic opportunities for the nature lover or big bear enthusiast.

Lemur Conservation Foundation

Where hilarious monkey-like critters hang and howl, six species of lemurs are protected. The forest habitats are nearly 10 acres each and surrounded by a 13-foot fence—allowing many of the resident lemurs to range freely. These free-ranging primates offer scientists, students and volunteers unique research opportunities at this private reserve.

Lemur Conservation Foundation, 42500 73rd Ave. East, Myakka City, 941-322-8494, @lemur.conservation.foundation

Mixed Species Experiences

Photo courtesy of Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 3701 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, 941-355-5305, sarasotajunglegardens.com, @sarasotajunglegardens.

Lest we forget our longtime institutions in the heart of Sarasota where you can see and visit a plethora of different animal species. It’s not all flamingos at Sarasota Jungle Gardens—walk through the expansive, jungle-like grounds to pet and learn about an entire kingdom of species all in one place. Its 10 acres of “Old Florida” fun offer more than 200 native and exotic animals (many of them rescued). Visitors can expect to see trees full of colorful and tropical birds, snakes, gators, iguanas, tortoises and lemurs. 

For some winged creatures, head to Save Our Seabirds. The nonprofit rescues, rehabilitates and releases sick and injured wild birds found in the area. You can stroll the three-acre site’s “birdwalk” to meet pelicans, owls, vultures, herons, and other once-wild birds. Be ready for a steady soundtrack of squawks, caws, and chirps as you learn about the traits and characteristics of each species, as well as what you can do to help protect them from harm in the wild. Meanwhile, its Wild Bird Learning Center is home to more than 120 other animals that were injured and treated, but unable to return to the wild. 

Save Our Seabirds, 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, 941-388-3010, saveourseabirds.org.

Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, 941-388-4441, mote.org, @motemarinelab. 

At Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, there is no shortage of sea creatures to ooh and ahh at as they peak and wonder about you as much as you of them from the glass. You’ll find more than 100 species of marine life—including sharks, manatees, playful otters, turtles, moray eels, mesmerizing jellyfish, the majestic rays at stingray touch pool and lots and lots of colorful fish. This Sarasota staple is a laboratory, so visitors can observe ocean research as it is happening. Special presentations offer more information on Mote’s underwater and coastal residents. 

Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary is home to more than 150 exotic and domestic animals in need of a safe, permanent home. where some 150 exotic animals that were born in captivity have found a forever home. Observe giant creatures like bears, monkeys, and, of course, the big cats. From lions, tigers and cougars to leopards and ligers, these massive predators roam three indoor/outdoor housing complexes complete with exercise habitats and swimming pools. Visitors can also drop the little ones at the petting zoo to meet more mild, gentler animals like goats, llamas, and chickens.

Photo courtesy of Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, 941-371-6377, bigcathabitat.org, @bigcathabitat.