Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
According to BusinessRate's 2026 annual benchmark scores, the North Florida Wildlife Center in Lamont is #2 among Florida Zoos. Iguanaland in Punta Gorda was #1. Ratings are based on analysis of Google reviews, looking comprehensively at a business's full history of reviews (endurance), quality of reviews and momentum of recent reviews. The Wildlife Center's benchmark score of 276 was just three points away from #1.
The nonprofit started up only six years ago, with a mission of “wildlife conservation through public educational outreach, propagation of rare and endangered species and habitat restoration efforts.” Operating as a 501(c)(3) organization, the center “strives for the highest standards of animal care, education, conservation, environmental service, and operations.”
Over the years, the population of resident animals has grown from half a dozen birds to more than 100 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The site has new habitats under construction continually, enabling it to welcome more and more animals in need of protection, many of which are part of special breeding programs that aim to keep their threatened species from going extinct.
“For our small center to receive this BusinessRate recognition is incredible,” says Founder and Executive Director Ryan Reines. “It really shows that you don't have to be the biggest to make a big impression.”
Attendance at the Wildlife Center has grown to more than 2,000 visitors a month and is expected to top 15,000 by the end of 2026. Upward spiraling visitation allows the center to offer affordable general admission with regular hours Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Add-ons include guided tours that can be booked with a knowledgable staff member, and VIP tours that offer a private look behind the scenes and more perks. Special encounters are available with the gray foxes Cypress and Willow; the ruffed lemurs Saka and Akondro; Sid the sloth; Evie the red kangaroo; King Bumi the giant anteater; and several of the very interesting birds in residence.
These ambassador animals allow visitors to see and learn about incredible species in person and gain a new perspective on issues that might otherwise seem far away and untouchable. Proceeds generated from both general admission and extra opportunities keep the animal residents enriched and well-fed, as well as provide strong support for international conservation efforts associated with the animals being protected here. Conservation partners include Florida State University, National Geographic Photo Ark, St. Marks Monarch Milkweed Initiative, Green Again Madagascar, Anteaters & Highways, Planet Indonesia, Sia (the Comanche Nation Ethno-Ornithological Initiative) and Vulpro.
“The North Florida Wildlife Center is quickly becoming a destination that Jefferson County can be incredibly proud of,” Reines says. “Through record growth, major investments, nationally recognized achievements and expanding conservation partnerships, we're not just building a wildlife park. We're bringing visitors, opportunities and recognition to Jefferson County, and we're only getting started.”
Special events take place nearly every month, such as the upcoming Jungle Jingle on Dec. 19 and 20, when local vendors, special guests and fun activities add to the excitement of a visit.
What's new at the Wildlife Center? Lots! Nearly every week Reines announces a new arrival, an exciting development or launch of an expansion project.
Currently, the staff are pleased to see completion of Phase 2 of the Tropical Treasures aviary complex. The red-ruffed lemurs are now engaging in encounters; the critically endangered cotton-topped tamarin twins are growing fast; and two yellow-headed Amazon parrots rescued from smugglers have settled in well. A new habitat is under construction to allow for more giant anteaters and capybaras to share, and flamingos are coming!
Check out all the news at www.northfloridawildlife.org, where you'll also learn all you need to plan a visit.
The North Florida Wildlife Center is located at 1386 Cook Rd. in Lamont, Fla. For more information, call 850-347-0921, email info@northfloridawildlife.org or visit the website.
IN THE FEATURED PHOTO: A visitor enjoys her encounter with King Bumi, a giant anteater who lives at the North Florida Wildlife Center. Photo Courtesy