GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A one-of-a-kind animal sanctuary has created a one-of-a-kind way to explore their animal wilderness.

The Carson Springs Wildlife Sanctuary in Gainesville is home to 30 species of animals, including big cats.

But instead of walking to the see the animals, the sanctuary has come up with a fun way to learn about the creatures using electric scooters.

Mia Bryce, the lead zookeeper who often takes guests for tours of the sanctuary, said the scooter tour gives visitors a more intimate experience with the animals.

“You get to see these animals up close,” she said. “Typically, that leaves a bigger impact on people when they leave our facility.”

The two-hour scooter excursion takes visitors around the facility, stopping at various animal habitats where they can watch feedings and learn about each animal. At one stop, guests watch a zookeeper hand-feed tigers as they stand on their hind legs, and witness how tall the exotic cats are.

“It’s really a fun exercise for our guests to see how big these guys really are,” Bryce said.

It is possible that visitors will run into the owners of the sanctuary, Barry and Christine Jenks, who have dedicated their lives to the facility since 2002. 

Barry has a special relationship with many of the creatures, including a hyena he raised, and often walks up to the animal that’s in a cage and gives it a kiss.

“He’s been doing this with these animals for a very long time,” Bryce said. “He has been a part of their lives for most of their lives.”

The sanctuary is located in Gainesville, about a two-hour drive from Orlando. The cost to do the private scooter tour is $119, while walking tours are also available for $35 per person. Reservations are mandatory.

For more information sanctuary, or to make a reservation, visit the Carson Springs Wildlife Sanctuary’s website.