Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary And Rehabilitation Center

The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center is located in Punta Gorda, Florida and provides a healthy recovery spot and living environment for exotic wildlife that has been abused or abandoned. The sanctuary has been open since the 1970s and is supported by contributions from area businesses, the community and the hard work of volunteers. The sanctuary is located on Horseshoe Road, west of State Road 31. All animals that receive care from the sanctuary live on site. Larger animals used to be taken into the community for shows, but the stress was deemed too much and this practice has stopped. The sanctuary has welcomed thousands of animals over the years. No intentional breeding occurs at the sanctuary, but there have been births at the facility when animals who are taken in are pregnant. The land is leased from a private company at $1 per year. When animals die, they are donated to colleges and universities so research can be conducted. The sanctuary is open to visitors and offers picnic tables and seating throughout the park for people to relax and enjoy their day. Animals at the sanctuary include bears, canines, birds, cougars, lions, leopards, primates, small cats, reptiles, tigers and a variety of other species.