Chase Sanctuary, an animal rescue for monkeys, lemurs, sloths and anteaters, is waaaaay back in the country. I have found that some of the tours off the beaten path can be a tad dicey as far as being well-maintained and a good environment for the animals. I’ve often wondered if being further out serves as a way to prevent prying eyes from seeing what really goes on. This one, however, is top notch and has some of the most expansive enclosures I’ve ever seen.
The first view you get is a big, grassy lawn with a massive oak tree and a couple of avian greeters. Set right in the middle of this is the owners’ home. They’re there to watch the animals 24-7. I liked that.
There are several different tour options. I booked the Lemur and Friends Group Tour ($75 – only on Saturdays at noon) and added on the Sloth/Anteater Experience ($50 – only available if you’ve purchased a group tour or the Lemur Yoga).
The Group Tour took us all around the expansive property. I was impressed with the gigantic enclosures so the animals weren’t crammed in chock-a-block, and they had both outdoor space and indoor air-conditioned space. Additionally, there were tons of toys, ropes, and swings to keep them occupied and happy. I also noted something I haven’t seen anywhere else before: there were mesh “tunnels” running around and through buildings so the animals had more opportunities to explore.
Rescue animals included several cavi (a South American rodent), a deer, quite a few tortoises (who knew they like to have their shells rubbed?), exotic birds, a hamster, duck, two gazelles, pigs, monkeys, lemurs and even a curious cat or two.
My favorite experience was the add-on with the anteater, lemurs and sloths. Long before I got there, I decided the lemurs would be my favorite and that I wouldn’t care a whit about an anteater. Boy, was I wrong. A gentle girl who’s been rescued twice, once from wherever they originally got her and second from a male anteater who was abusive to her, this little anteater had expressive eyes and a sweet disposition. She loved people and relished a good arm or shoulder. Although she has some fearsome looking claws, she only uses them to hold on when climbing. Take a good look at her foot. It looks human.
On the other hand, the lemurs were a bit skittish. They wanted the food the guides gave us to feed them but didn’t want to hang around (no pun intended).
The two-toed sloths were hilarious. They loved to dangle upside down from the ceiling ropes but made sure to stay within reach of the hibiscus flowers we proffered. The guide explained they have the slowest metabolism of all the mammals in the world. It takes about a month to digest their food. (Who knew I was a member of the sloth family?)
Unfortunately, my phone’s battery died about the time we got to the barn experience so I have no photos. What a shame. The barn is a huge area where the lemurs can interact with the humans (or not), and lots of swings and ropes they use to launch themselves onto a shoulder or the top of a head. These particular lemurs were all previously kept as pets and were not shy. They loved to perch on someone’s head and try to pry the cap off or investigate glasses, buckles, and anything shiny. It was so much fun.
In addition to the Group Tour and the Sloth/Anteater Experience, Chase Sanctuary offers Painting with Primates, Acoustics in the Afternoon, Lemur & Friends Interactive Private Tour for Two (only on specific days), Keeper for a Day, Lemur Yoga, and Chase After Dark. This may well be my favorite tour so far. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll appreciate the care they take and the space the animals have to run and play. And how can you resist an anteater draped around your neck?
- 6127 SE 122nd Blvd., Webster, Florida
- 352-988-8014
- Much of the property is wheelchair accessible but some is not. I would suggest you call to discuss it with them prior to purchasing a ticket to see what accommodations can be made.
Lisa Browder 
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