C.A.R.E. Foundation
Apopka, FL
- Admission
- —
- Accreditation
- None listed
not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Everything below is directory information drawn from public sources and the zoo's own site.
Animals at C.A.R.E. Foundation
We haven't confirmed this zoo's animal list yet.
Feathers & Fangs from visitors
What people who've been to C.A.R.E. Foundation say
A Feather is something this zoo does well; a Fang is something it gets wrong. Left by people who've been, and read by us before they appear.
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About C.A.R.E. Foundation
The C.A.R.E. Foundation, which stands for Creating Animal Respect Education, is a wildlife sanctuary at 4609 West Ponkan Road in Apopka, Florida. Its website describes its purpose as providing a lasting sanctuary for non-domestic, non-releasable animals. The sanctuary is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The website lists guided tours and programs for visitors.
History
According to a June 2024 report by Spectrum News 13, the foundation was established in 2006 by owner Christin Burford and operates on a 10-acre facility in Apopka. The report says Burford began working with large predators in 1985 as a personal assistant to a big cat trainer, gaining experience with pumas, lions, tigers and leopards.
The foundation's site describes the organization as a second chance for exotic wildlife that has been mistreated, neglected or abandoned, and says many residents were previously kept as unsuitable pets.
Exhibits and habitats
Spectrum News 13 reported in June 2024 that the sanctuary was home to more than 200 animals, including big cats, bears, monkeys, birds, crocodiles and reptiles. The report named a crocodile called Ingozi, which was rescued from being sold as a pet. The foundation's website has sections for resident animals and adoption programs.
Conservation and programs
The foundation lists as its mission providing exotic, non-releasable wildlife with a safe and permanent home, and promoting awareness about conservation and environmental issues affecting endangered and threatened species and local wildlife. It describes care that includes personalized nutrition and enrichment. Its stated vision is to continue welcoming animals in need, expand its wildlife education programs on site and off site, and further develop specialized programs for individuals with special needs, children affected by domestic violence and people experiencing PTSD.
Programs listed on the website are:
- Field trips
- King of the Jungle Tour
- VIP Ambassador Tour
- Caretaker for a Day
- Zoo to You, an off-site program
- Group outings
Spectrum News 13 described the King of the Jungle Tour as a two-hour guided tour in which visitors can get close to animals and sometimes feed them. Burford told the station that most people are not equipped to care for a tiger, monkey, fox or exotic bird and advised prospective owners to reconsider acquiring wild animals as pets.
Planning your visit
The website lists visits through guided tours and booked programs, and tour details are on the foundation's website. The address is 4609 West Ponkan Road, Apopka, FL, and the phone number is 407-247-8948. The foundation is on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok as carefoundationflorida and also links to YouTube and LinkedIn, and its website also has an events section, a shop and donation options.
What we haven't confirmed
Everything above came from public sources. These specifics we haven't stood behind yet:
- Regular visiting hours
- Parking
- Founding year (a 2024 news report gives 2006)
- Current animal roster
C.A.R.E. Foundation compared with nearby zoos
How C.A.R.E. Foundation lines up against other zoos in the same state. We don't have coordinates for it yet, so these aren't ranked by distance.
| Zoo | Admission | Hours | Size | AZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C.A.R.E. FoundationThis zooApopka, FL | — | Visits by booked guided tour only (King of the Jungle Tour, VIP Ambassador Tour, Caretaker for a Day); no general admission hours posted. | — | No |
| Amazing Animals IncSaint Cloud, FL | — | Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year for private guided tours by appointment only at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM daily. | — | No |
| BF Petting FarmThonotosassa, FL | $8 | Thu–Sun 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. | — | No |
| Boyett’s Grove & Citrus AttractionBrooksville, FL | — | Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; 5 PM is last admission to Wildlife Park. | — | No |
Distances are straight-line. A dash means we haven't confirmed that detail yet, not that the zoo lacks it.
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
C.A.R.E. Foundation: common questions
How can the public visit the C.A.R.E. Foundation?
The website lists guided tours, field trips, group outings and other booked programs.
What animals live there?
In June 2024, Spectrum News 13 reported more than 200 animals including big cats, bears, monkeys, birds, crocodiles and reptiles.
What does C.A.R.E. stand for?
Creating Animal Respect Education.
How long is the King of the Jungle Tour?
Spectrum News 13 described it as a two-hour guided tour. Tour pricing is on the foundation's website.
Can animals be adopted?
The website has an adoption programs section for sponsoring resident animals. Details are on the foundation's website.
Something wrong here? Tell us — we correct in place, with a dated note.