white oak conservation center

1. Expectations. As a nature/animal lover, I always enjoy visiting natural history museums, zoos, aquariums, etc, I have had the privilege of visiting similar facilities in Florida. My expectations were very high and I was not disappointed.2. Recommendations. I would recommend doing some research on the types of animals that are at the facility (see paragraph 9) to get more enjoyment out of the visit.3. Location/Directions3a. After booking my tour, I was e-mailed a map to the facility; it was accurate and easy to follow.3.b. The map took me to the security gate of the facility; the security guard at the gate provided me with a more detailed map to the facility's headquarters (approximately 2 miles from the security gate); it, too, is accurate and easy to follow.4. Road to the site & parking. The route to the site is off of US Highway 17; the road is a very-well maintained dirt road and is accessible to any type of passenger vehicle. It was dry on the day of my visit but I am confident that any type of vehicle can reach the site even in rainy weather. I was not in an RV or pulling a travel trailer but understand that many visitors are on extended trips/vacations. The road to the site is not recommended for RVs or vehicles pulling trailers; when you book a reservation, the employees can recommend some options. 5. Admission. Admission for the tour is $125; however, I would recommend confirming the current admission fee by checking their website or by calling.6. Operating hours. The tours are conducted Wed and Fri at 10:00 am. I would recommend verifying this by either checking the museum's website or by calling.7. Overview of facility. White Oak is a 7,400 acre facility that was purchased by the Gilman family (who were in the paper/pulp business). In the 1980's (I believe), the property was converted to a conference facility and later as a wildlife conservatory. White Oak operates as a conservatory for endangered/threatened species and is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. They have a well-respected veterinary staff and are very successful at breeding species and reintroducing them to Africa or supplying animals to respected/credible zoos. The animal enclosures are extremely large (I think all were no less than one acre); some resemble open African Savannah, others have tall forrested overhead cover with little undergrowth; and others have overhead cover with quite a bit of undergrowth.8. Details of tour. I was greeted (by name) at the security gate and again by the tour guides (by name) when I reached the parking lot. The tour begins with all of the participants (approximately 12 on the day I visited) boarding a trolley. The tour guide drove us to all of the animal enclosures; this portion of the trip took approximately 2 hours. Upon completion of the animal tour, the tour guides provided a tour of the conference facility and there was an option of having lunch at the facility's "Big Game Room". I had another appointment in the afternoon and could not partake of lunch.9. I have listed the animal exhibits/enclosures below:9a. Wild Asse. (Yes, I know it is misspelled - Trip Advisor does not permit profanity). Very pretty donkey-like animal native to the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea). They have a gray coat with muted Zebra-like stripes on their legs.9b. Grevy's Zebra. Larger of the Zebra species and native to eastern Africa. They have a nice-size herd (approximately 12 were available for viewing). 9c. Black Rhinoceros. Native to southern and eastern Africa. I believe they had approximately 8 for viewing.9d. White Rhinoceros. Native to southern and eastern Africa. There were quite a few (12-18).9e. Indian Rhinoceros. Native to northeastern India. I believe they had one large male, a large female and a young male.9f. Cape Buffalo. Large, heavy-bodied buffalo native to southern, central and western Africa. On the day that I visited, the buffalo was too far away to be seen very well. This was the only disappointment of the visit - it would have been great to have seen them up close.9g. Okapi. Medium-size animal closely-related to the Giraffe; native to central Africa. This is a beautiful animal with a black/brown coat and zebra-like stripes on the legs.9h. Reticulated Giraffe. Native to scattered pockets in southern and central Africa. They have 6-8 of them; the tour affords visitors the ability to feed them.9i. Gerenuk. Small, thin gazelle native to the horn of Africa (Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea). This is an attractive little animal that is almost cartoon-like.9j. Dama Gazelle. Small gazelle native to Northern Africa whose coat changes from white to brown with the seasons.9k. Nile Lechwe. Small antelope native to central and eastern Africa.9l. Lesser Kudu. Medium-size antelope native to central and eastern Africa.9m. Roan Antelope. Heavy-bodied, medium-size antelope native to Southern Africa.9n. Bongo. Large antelope native to central Africa. This animal has a very striking red/brown coat with vertical red stripes.9o. Giant Eland. Very large antelope native to central and western Africa.9p. Cheetah. Native to southern and central Africa. They have one in a large enclosure with an Anatolian Shepherd Dog (very interesting story as told by the caretakers). In another enclosure, they have a couple of females who have recently given birth; I believe there are 6 cubs.9q. Cassowary. Large, flightless bird native to New Guinea and Australia. There was a male and female available for viewing. This bird is smaller than an Ostrich (comparable in size to an Emu) and resembles the Velociraptors from Jurassic Park. They have a very unique quality in that they emit a rumbling/resonating sound similar to an Alligator or Lion.10. Length of visit. The wildlife tour lasts approximately 2 hours.11. Handicap access. I am not handicapped but understand that this can affect someone's decision whether or not to visit a site/attraction. Visitors who are wheelchair-bound or have difficulty walking should be able to enjoy the facility with little to no difficulty. The trolley used for the tour requires visitors to climb aboard the trolley via three steps. There are approximately four opportunities to disembark the trolley and approach the animal enclosures; the terrain is uniformly flat and level.12. Child friendliness. The facility is child friendly. However, I would recommend that parents consider the fact that children may be too frightened to approach some of the animals.13, Amenities/creature comforts. There are restrooms and bottled water available at the "Big Game Room" prior to the tour. Lunch is available (if desired) upon completion of the tour.14. Gift shop. There is a small gift shop at the facility; it has a nice selection of items oriented primarily towards adults: souvenirs, coffee mugs, t-shirts, ball caps.15a. Other attractions nearby - #1. Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation is located in Gainesville, FL (100 mi / 1 hr 45 min to the south/southwest) and is extremely nice. If I remember correctly, this facility is operated partially as a rescue facility. They offer a walking tour that lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours. During my visit there March 2014, they had: Cheetahs, Eurasian Lynx, Leopard, Lions, Tigers, Hyenas, Giraffe, Oryx, Lemur. The tour guide was very cordial, knowledgeable and personable. I recommend checking their website and/or Trip Advisor page for more details.15b. Other attractions nearby - #2. St Augustine Wild Reserve is located in St Augustine, FL 65 mi / 1 hr 15 min to the south/southeast) and is very enjoyable. This facility is operated as a rescue facility that is awarded custody of animals that have been confiscated by Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife. They offer a walking tour that lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours. During my visit there March 2014, they had: Cougars, Leopards, Lions, Tigers, Wolves and a variety of birds and small primates. It was evident that all of the employees care a great deal of the animals. I recommend checking their website and/or Trip Advisor page for more details.15c. Other similar attractions nearby #3. Catty Shack is located in Jacksonville, FL (50 miles / 1 hr to the south). I have not visited this facility and cannot provide a first-hand observation.15d. Other similar attractions nearby #4. Big Cat Rescue is located in Tampa, FL (235 mi / 4 hr to the southwest). I have not visited this facility and cannot provide a first-hand observation.15e. Other similar attractions nearby #5. Bee Creek Feline Center is located in Panama City, FL (275 mi / 4 hr 30 min to the west). I have not visited this facility and cannot provide a first-hand observation.15f. Other similar attractions nearby #6. Panther Ridge Conservation Center 285 mi / 4 hr 30 min to the south). I have not visited this facility and cannot provide a first-hand observation; however, they are next on my list of sites to visit. Among the other felines, they have two Jaguars and I would very much like to see them.16. Conclusion. If the animals and facilities were not enough, the staff is very courteous, professional and accommodating.

We were invited to White Oak for a wedding a few years ago, and was so excited since I had never been. My husband had been before with school/work. It is an invitation only, and you have to have connections to get in. BEAUTIFUL!

My son-in-law has told me that I should try Whataburger if I ever visit one. There are no Whataburger restaurants near where I live, but there is one about 5 miles from the Best Western Plus in Yulee. The burger, fries and milkshakes are fantastic.

White Oak is indeed a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts. Nestled in 700+ acres in North Florida, this conservation center is truly a marvel. They house more species of rhino in one place than anywhere else. Many species are bred in as close to their natural habitat as possible. Getting up close and personal to a cheetah was a remarkable experience. Feeding the giraffes was a hoot for the kids. Different varieties of four legged ruminants and even some birds were on display. This is not your regular zoo where the animals are cooped up in regrettably small habitats. Hopefully White Oak will continue to find the private funding that makes it all possible. The staff is very knowledgeable. Our tour guide, Lauren, knows her stuff when it comes to the animals under their care. She took us on a 2 hour tour in an open van. It will take about that time to finish the tour usually, unless there are some other activities. We went on a private tour, which was a complete blast, albeit more expensive than their regular scheduled public tours. To top it off, we ate lunch at the Big Game Room. Food was expensive but was adequate. We asked the chef to serve a birthday cake for our November celebrants, and she was able to whip up a vanilla strawberry cake with their names on it. Aaron took us on a short tour of the main building, which houses some interesting curios, such as a huge Polar bear that greets you in the main foyer. The Gillman family collected a strange mix of Native American and modern pieces while the new owner threw in a couple of dinosaur skeletons. As mentioned in other reviews, there is also the Mikhail Baryshnikov connection. The dance studio in which he practiced doubles as a conference room. The houses and facilities are rented out for conferences but not on weekends, as it remains a private property. I do wish that they conduct more ecotourism activities besides the summer camps and special events but then it would ruin the exclusivity of the place. We definitely enjoyed everything White Oak had to offer and will certainly be back.

If you are not from the local area, you may not hear about this gem in the North Florida wilderness of pine trees, palmettos and swamp land. This 7500+ acre reserve to protect and breed endangered wild animals from around the world is a must see if you are anywhere in the area. Just minutes off of the I-95 corridor at the Florida/Georgia border, it is home to exotic animals and an elaborate Great Hall facility that has hosted national and international dignitaries. We went to a special event that included a tour to see all the animals, watch an amazing cheetah run (actually petting a cheetah!), a cocktail party and elegant buffet dinner. It was a delightful afternoon and evening.As another reviewer wrote, the mission is conservation and it is not open to the public except by reservation. It is well worth your time to contact them and find out when you can visit. This is not a zoo; it is a true conservation endeavor where animals have the space to roam and run and are extremely well cared for.Definitely put this on your list if you are anywhere nearby.

I've seen and heard about White Oak for years but never could quite make schedules work for a visit until last weekend. This place is amazing. It's 7500 acres in the middle of nowhere but once you get there you'll find a real treasure. The facilities are first class and we had a great dinner and cocktail hour at the end of our event but the real stars are the animals.In addition to seeing White Rhinos up close (literally 2 feet away) and hundreds of other animals, the real highlight of our trip was a Cheetah Run. If you have never seen a Cheetah running at full speed over a hundred yards or so, you can't imagine how fast and agile these magnificent animals are. White Oak has corporate programs and individual events but the key is to plan ahead. I've heard that openings fill up fast. These folks are in the business of animal conversation so they don't have a constant stream of people flowing through and there's no general admission. That just means you have to plan and contact them in advance.

I can't add anything original to the other glowing reviews. Everything said here is true. We went on a cold day, notified in advance by staff to bundle up. I enjoyed the brisk air and excuse to wear boots, gloves, and scarf. We will go again and take our friends. You should too!

This was the most amazing experience of my life. If you have a corporate event or come visit for the day. Meet Jay & Stephanie. Tell them No. 1 sent you

We recently took our third tour at the White Oak Conservation Center. The staff does a great job of making everyone welcome and giving as much information about the center as possible. The Safari tour takes guests on a trolley throughout the facility and a expert guide is along to give information on the many endangered animals they are caring for. Much is being done with breeding. The cheetahs and rhinos are wonderful to see. There is a wonderful meal served following the tour. This is an outstanding place to visit for anyone concerned with wildlife on our planet. The nighttime tours are for adults, but there are other events that children would enjoy. It's a great place to visit for a day or to stay overnight in one of the cabins.

We attended the Sunset Safari in September and it was a first class experience. The pre-trip communications were excellent, and once we arrived, we were treated to a generous open bar. The tour itself was amazing, with the opportunity to touch the animals and really learn details that you are not privy to at a zoo where these animals might otherwise be seen. I learn something new every time I am at White Oak. The appetizers and dinner were fantastic and the Lodge was stunning. It was a relaxed casual affair, like dining at a friend's house, the staff was warm and gracious, and it was all around a fantastic experience.

We had heard about White Oak and finally visited for a Sunset Safari. We knew it would be fun and interesting to see the animals, but we had no idea how much more there was to learn. The efforts of the conservation staff world-wide to rescue and protect endangered animals, the breeding programs for assuring not only survival but diversity in bloodlines, the work with zoos all over, the experience and dedication of the staff, the physical beauty of the place -- it was an awe-inspiring evening. And the food was good too!

Have you ever rubbed the nose of a rhinoceros or scratched the back of a cheeta? Well, I did both of those things last night right here in Yulee, FL! I've lived in Fernandina Beach for almost 15 years and last night was the first (but not the last) time I visited White Oak. What an amazing place! We went last night for the Sunset Safari and Dinner and it was worth every penny! The grounds are beautiful, the staff very knowledgeable, and the animals unbelievable. Upon arrival you are greeted and offered drinks from the bar in the beautiful Big Game Room. Then you are treated to an hour and a half "safari" on trolleys through the park, stopping to take pictures (and rub noses) of three different kinds of rhinos and their babies, a mamma cheetah and her four cubs (one of which is a foster), numerous other cheetah, giraffe, zebra, and many more. Upon returning to the Big Game Room, drinks and hors d'oeuvres are served followed by a delicious buffet in the Great Hall Dining Room. From beginning to end it was a perfect and most memorable evening - a great way to celebrate any event or just to celebrate the wonderful diversity of animals that are being saved through the research and breeding programs at White Oak Conservation Center. There are monthly events and believe me, I'll be attending more of them! This is a "don't miss" if you are in this area.

We first heard about this place from an episode of Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown TV show. Knowing we would be in the area, we booked the tour and are still talking about it. Stephanie was our guide and she is the best! One can look online for more information, but suffice it to say this is a day we will never forget! Obviously highly recommend a visit and learning about what this conservation center is doing.

We really enjoyed our visit to the White Oak Conservation center. Aaron gave us a red carpet welcome and a great tour of the amazing big house. Stephanie took us on the trolley ride through the animal compounds where we had fantastic close encounters with rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, as well as bongos, okapi, and several other species. She was an outstanding guide for our group of 5 adults and 4 kids. It was like being members of a wonderful private zoo!

This is an endangered species wildlife center and also the home of a famous Ballet Institute and conference center. A visit to the main lodge is worth the trip alone! There are over 600 acres of wild life with guest houses located within viewing distances and also in attractive river settings.This is well worth the price of admission and should be on everyone's "To Do" list. There is a Gift Shop as well.