Peace River Refuge & Ranch is a nonprofit exotic animal sanctuary, fully licensed and accredited by the American Sanctuary Association. The sanctuary is dedicated to the lifetime care of abused, neglected, confiscated or unwanted exotic animals to prevent them from being destroyed.

The animals that come to our sanctuary are given permanent homes and most have come from situations that were potentially harmful for the animals. We do not sell, transfer or give away any of the animals we rescue and they are not used for breeding; we simply protect them from harm. Our highly trained staff ensures that their medical, nutritional, and emotional needs are well met. With help from our supporters, we are able to provide permanent habitats for these animals on our 90-acre compound.

There are many other kinds of facilities who keep exotic animals, including zoos, breeders, attractions and parks, pet owners, placement or adoption shelters, and even hunting ranches. These facilities are distinguished from TRUE sanctuaries in that their income is derived from the animals they have. True sanctuaries, by their very nature, can derive little if any income from the animals because the needs of the animals come first.

Our facility offers guided, educational tours by advance reservation. Visitors have the unique opportunity to come as close as five feet away from many of our animals, ranging from tigers, cougars, a black leopard, lynx, and other big cats to wolves, bears, bats, primates and more. All the while, they are learning about the animals, why they are here and the plight of their wild counterparts.

At Peace River Refuge & Ranch, we fully support legislation to restrict the general public form owning exotic animals as pets. We do realize that there are individuals that currently are in possession and take care of exotic animals in captivity. Although we do not promote private ownership under any circumstances, we want to work with anyone who is currently in a position to care for exotic animals facing difficulties. We will assist where possible anyone who is faced with a challenge or issue that could potentially harm an animal and we are willing to work with those individual to provide education and support, so that they can provide the best possible care for the animals under their care. In the end, it is all about the animals and how we can make their lives better and enhance their circumstances. We will however, under no circumstances assist a facility or individual that chooses to perpetuate the exotic pet trade problem causing so many animals to suffer needlessly.